Imperfect Mindfulness

You don’t need to be perfect or even particularly good at mindfulness to benefit from a mindfulness practice.  I believe thinking in terms of being good at, or bad at doesn’t really apply to mindfulness.  All our mindfulness efforts, even our stumbling imperfect ones support our journey to body sovereignty.  Remember, a mindful life looks different for everyone.  Yours may not look like a yogi meditating by the ocean  Your mindful life might look more like:

-noticing the birdsong on your walk
-being aware of what foods you actually enjoy, not just crave because you think you shouldn’t eat them or will have to give them up with your next diet
-dressing in clothes you want to wear, that feel good and reflect who you are
-pay attention to when you are tired and getting some sleep
-planting a garden and paying attention to growing seasons and weather patterns
-paying more attention and responding to your hunger and fullness feelings
-being able to notice and label what emotions you are feeling

Or a million other things. It really is about you and your life. Whatever it looks like for you, it can be helpful to:

Start with the little things. Pick just one thing you want to work toward.
Meet your inner critic with compassion. It’s important to take a deep breath and remember that everyone makes mistakes.

Thanks for reading and remember to embrace the imperfection.