Mindfulness is a wonderful practice that can assist you in many different areas of life. By bringing your awareness back to the present moment, you can reduce symptoms of mental health conditions. Furthermore, you can get in touch with your inner strength, sense of self, and decision-making intuition. There are many different paths to mindfulness. The following ten mindfulness quotes may help remind you what mindfulness is all about, its value, and how to practice it.
1. “Live in the Breath”
This quote reminds us that although mindfulness practice is challenging, because we cope with so many mental distractions, it’s also easy: it’s all about coming back to the breath. Just keep coming back to the breath. Notice the breath. Breathe more deeply. As you do, the rest fades into the background. You can deal with symptoms of anxiety as well as other challenges by learning to “live in the breath.”
2. “Mindfulness Is Simply Being Aware of What Is Happening Right Now Without Wishing It Were Different”
This is a clear definition of mindfulness. If you want to remember what you’re trying to do when practicing mindfulness, this quote can help to guide you. Be in this moment, accepting it for what it is, without judging the experience. Of course, this is easier said than done, but that’s what we’re working towards in mindfulness practice.
3. “Mindless Fear is Greater Than Mindful Fear”
This is a terrific reminder that we’re never going to exist in some moment of pure calm. Sometimes, we will experience fear and other forms of discomfort. However, we can learn to be mindful no matter what we experience. In doing so, we reduce some of that discomfort. We put the experience into perspective.
4. “As We Think, So We Become.”
A more complete version of this mindfulness quote from The Dhammapada is:
“The thought manifests the word;
The word manifests the deed;
The deed develops into habit;
And habit hardens into character;
So watch the thought and its ways with care,
And let them spring forth from love
Born out of compassion for all beings.
As the shadow follows the body, as we think, so we become.”
One approach to meditation is to watch your thoughts. By becoming aware of that without becoming attached to them, we release ourselves from their hold on us. We have so many different thoughts rushing through our minds all of the time. Mindfulness helps us let the thoughts drift on by instead becoming a “habit (that) hardens into character.”
5. “Each moment is all we need, not more.”
The full quote usually cited is, “Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” Of course, it isn’t possible to be happy in every single moment. However, this is a solid reminder of the purpose of mindfulness. We can recognize that we are at least okay, if not entirely happy, in the moment. What is happening right this moment? Breathe. You’re okay.
6. “In This Moment, You Are Precisely As You Should Be”
This expands on the Mother Teresa quote about the moment. It shows us how when we practice mindfulness, the present moment actually expands. And in this moment, we can find possibility, self-acceptance, and so much more.
7. “Dramatically Slow Down Whatever You’re Doing”
Sometimes “practicing mindfulness” can start to feel like just another thing on a long to-do list. However, it’s really a way of life. It’s something we can incorporate into everything that we do. It’s all about being present with anything that we’re doing. So, one simple trick, is to simply slow down whatever you’re doing. For example, if you’re showering, and you’re vigorously rubbing your arms with soap, just slow down. Mindfully apply the soap, feel it on your skin, smell the scent of it. Just slowing down can bring mindfulness.
8. “Whatever Happens Does Not Really Matter”
This speaks to the way that mindfulness can assist us in detaching from the outcome of things. This helps reduce symptoms of anxiety, among other benefits. What’s going to happen is going to happen. Worrying about it, stressing, overthinking it, wishing it were different … these all cause us stress and distress. Mindfulness allows us to simply be with what is.
9. “A Crowded Mind Leaves No Space For a Peaceful Heart”
This is a simpler description of what we’re trying to attain through mindfulness practice: peacefulness.
10. “Let Go Of Your Mind and Then Be Mindful”
This is perhaps one of the most poetic descriptions of mindfulness. It’s about being present with yourself in this moment without listening to the judgmental chattering of your mind. The second part of the quote reminds us that there are many ways to listen to ourselves that don’t have to do with the words we speak or hear in our heads.
Other Inspirating Information:
- What Is Mindfulness in Therapy?
- 9 Therapists Share Their Favorite Quotes
- Mindfulness for Work-Life Balance
Many therapists incorporate mindfulness in their practice. Are you interested in working with a therapist? Contact us or search our therapist directory for a good fit today.