Mindfulness is the trending word for our time, but what does it really mean? What does it mean to practice mindfulness? What is a state of mindfulness?

I want to start my first blog post by discussing my mindfulness journey and why I started this movement. It was 2011, and I found myself at the lowest point of my life. On the outside, it would seem as if I had everything going on. I was married with three kids, a home, a job, and living the American dream.

But on the inside, I was an absolute mess. I had just lost my mother, and I was living in a state of shock. When I was around people, I would put on a brave face and go through the motions, but when I was alone, I would break down. After living in the spiral for years, I knew I had to do something because I couldn’t continue on this path.

That’s when I turned to meditation. I had heard of its benefits but never really gave it a try. However, at that point, I was desperate for a change. So, I started researching and reading about mindfulness, meditation practices, and the science behind it.

I learned that practicing meditation can help in managing stress, reducing anxiety, and improving overall mental health. It intrigued me, so I decided to give it a shot. In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. My mind was constantly racing with thoughts, worries, and fears. Sitting still and focusing on my breath seemed impossible.

But with time and practice, I started noticing small shifts. I became more aware of my thoughts and emotions, and I learned to observe them without judgment. It was like I was creating some distance between myself and my thoughts, allowing me to respond rather than react.

I included mindfulness in my daily life, taking moments to pause, breathe, and check in with myself. I started practicing body scans, where I would bring my attention to each part of my body, noticing sensations, and releasing any tension or discomfort. This simple practice helped me reconnect with my body and ground myself in the present moment.

Through my meditation practice, I discovered that mindfulness doesn’t mean completely removing negative thoughts or emotions. It means acknowledging them and letting them pass without getting caught up in their stories. It’s about accepting the ups and downs of life and being present with whatever arises.

As I continued my journey, I learned about various techniques like loving-kindness meditation, walking meditation, and mindful eating. Each practice added a new dimension to my mindfulness practice and helped me cultivate a sense of inner peace and gratitude.

Over time, I started feeling the benefits of mindfulness in my daily life. I became more focused, less reactive, and more compassionate towards myself and others. It wasn’t a magic cure, but a gradual transformation that unfolded as I committed to the practice. Even on the bad days, when negative thoughts and emotions overwhelmed me, I turned to my mindfulness tools to navigate through the storm.

That’s why I created this movement, to share my experience and inspire others to practice mindfulness. I believe everyone can benefit from being mindful, no matter what their situation. It’s a simple yet powerful practice that can transform our relationship with ourselves and the world.

Here is what I learned on the way:

1. Breathe Chile – I mean, I know it sounds simple, but I needed to keep reminding myself to take a minute and breathe. Taking slow, deep breaths in and out can help calm the mind and help with focus and clarity.

2. Practice Gratitude – We all want things, which is okay. There is nothing wrong with wanting a big house, nice clothes, and fancy cars. That is a part of life but being mindful of the great things you already have and being grateful for them makes life more enjoyable. While dreaming and working towards that big house, remember the starter home you currently have that will be the investment needed to make the dream a reality. I don’t have it YET, but what do I have now?

3. Be in the moment – Looking back, I now know that I have suffered from anxiety my entire life. When I was younger, I thought I was just being a Virgo, and all Virgos are worrywarts. I even had a nightshirt that told me so. I was constantly worrying about something. And if, by some miracle, I ran out of things to worry about, I’d start worrying about what I must have forgotten. Ah, good times.

Now I know that is called anxiety. I still feel anxious sometimes, but I have to remind myself to be in the moment. When I’m working out, stop worrying about everything I need to do after my workout. I deserve this time for myself and my health. When I’m eating dinner with my family, stop thinking about when I can put them to bed and take a bath. Enjoy my time with my family now and worry about the bath at bath time.

4. Get a Planner – Developing a planner routine has saved my sanity. They are like the wizard’s wand for organizing our chaotic lives. Trust me, without a planner, it’s like herding cats in a circus (and we all know how easy that is). Writing things down helps me to unclutter my mind, and it allows me to calmly work through each task and not be overwhelmed by everything at once. Once I know that I am not going to forget something, I don’t have to worry about it. I’ve developed routines to remind me to take time out to plan my days and also to check the planner frequently.

5. Get more sleep – I suffer from FOMO (Fear of missing out). If I start my night routine at 10 PM for lights out at 11 PM, then I am not living my best life. That is just crazy; not only do I need to take myself to bed, but I also need to stop worrying about what everyone else is doing and worry about what I am doing and what is best for me in my life currently. Who needs FOMO when you can have JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)?

Mindfulness is a valuable practice in our busy, modern world. It allows us to pause, slow down, and be fully present. By immersing ourselves in the present moment, we can find peace and clarity. Mindfulness has been embraced for generations and continues to be a relevant and effective tool for cultivating a more mindful and intentional life.

At its core, mindfulness encourages us to cultivate an open and non-judgmental awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. It invites us to observe our experiences with curiosity and kindness, without getting swept up in them. By bringing our attention to the here and now, we can free ourselves from the grip of rumination about the past or worry about the future.

Mindfulness is not about emptying the mind or striving for a state of perpetual bliss; rather, it is about acknowledging and accepting the full range of our human experience. It teaches us to embrace the ups and downs of life with peace, to tune in to the intricacies of our inner landscape, and to cultivate a sense of compassion towards ourselves and others.

Research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can have life-changing effects on our physical and mental well-being. It can help reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, enhance creativity, and promote a greater sense of empathy and connection with others. Furthermore, studies have also linked mindfulness to increased job satisfaction, productivity, and overall career success.

Including mindfulness in our daily lives does not require meditation retreats or hours of silent sitting. It can be as simple as taking a few conscious breaths before a meeting, savoring the flavors and textures of our meals, or going for a mindful walk in nature. The key is to cultivate an attitude of awareness and presence in whatever we do.

Let’s embrace mindfulness in all aspects of our lives. Join me on this journey towards self-discovery and inner peace.

Everything I discuss here is something I have used to help me. My ultimate goal is for Breathe Chile to be a movement to help the world through mindfulness, physical fitness, and positive motivation. I hope you will join me on the journey!