Meditation for busy minds. (Your mind is supposed to wander!)


Reader

Have you ever tried to meditate, only to have every to-do list you’ve ever made come flooding into your brain at once?

If so, you’re in good company. Most of us picture meditation as sitting perfectly still with a completely clear mind. That image sets the bar so high that when our thoughts wander, we decide we did it wrong and move on.

Here’s the good news: a wandering mind is normal. Noticing that your attention drifted and gently bringing it back is the practice itself. Meditation and mindfulness can be any intentional practice that brings you into the present moment, whether that’s sitting quietly, doodling, or sipping your coffee.

If you want to make mindfulness part of your real life, consider these elements:

Start with something you already do. Your first sips of coffee, washing your hands, or doing the dishes can all become mindful moments. In one study, people who washed dishes mindfully felt less nervous and more inspired afterward. Choose one daily activity and give it your full attention for a minute or two.

Give your hands something to do. If sitting still feels impossible, try drawing, doodling, coloring, or crocheting. Even three to five minutes of creative expression can become a meditative practice, and no artistic skill is required.

Pause between tasks. When we rush from one thing straight into the next, part of our attention stays stuck on what we just left. A two-minute pause between meetings, after school pickup, or at the end of your workday helps you close one loop before opening another.

Check in throughout your day. Ask yourself, “Where is my attention right now?” Don’t worry about the answer. Asking is often enough to bring you back.

Keep it short, expect your mind to wander, and notice which practices leave you calmer or clearer. There’s no wrong way to practice and no limit on how simply you can start. Every return builds the skill.

This week’s episode of the Positively Living® Podcast, Simple Mindfulness Practices for Your Real Life, brings together my most accessible meditation and mindfulness tools in one place, from creative meditation to micro-practices for your busiest days.

Check out Episode #338 of the Positively Living® Podcast:

>> Listen to the podcast here​

>> Read the blog post here​

I’d love to know which practice feels most natural for you. Just hit reply and tell me.

As you find your way into mindfulness, remember that making space for what matters includes making space for you.

💜

Lisa


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Positively_Lisa

I’m Lisa Zawrotny, a Productivity Coach, host of the Positively Living® Podcast, and founder of Positively Productive Systems, on a mission to redefine productivity with compassion. I help overwhelmed clients ditch hustle culture and design shame-free, personalized systems that lead to sustainable success—without burnout or sacrificing what they love. I believe productivity is meant to support a more satisfying, joy-filled life. For me, that means road-tripping with my husband and teens, making music with my family and friends, and inspiring others with my voice. One of my favorite ways to recharge is curling up with a book, an iced coffee, and a cat on my lap. ------------------------------------------- Check out the resources I offer below and request my Toolkit to reduce overwhelm, boost energy, and align your actions with your values!

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