Mindful, Mindless, and the Magic in Between

Let’s get one thing straight:

Mindfulness isn’t about becoming some serene, emotionless monk floating through life in a constant state of zen. It’s not about always being calm, eating kale, or breathing through every tantrum (your own or someone else’s). And it definitely doesn’t mean pretending you don’t swear when you stub your toe.

Mindfulness is about being your whole, messy, brilliant, emotional self but doing it with awareness.

Did you know your unconscious mind actually has more computing power than your conscious mind? It processes things faster, more efficiently, and can even make better decisions in certain situations. (Yes, really. Your gut instincts and daydreams are kind of genius.)

So what does that mean for mindfulness? It means you don’t have to be 100% “on” all the time to live a mindful life. In fact, that would be exhausting.

Mindful vs. Mindless (And Why We Need Both)

Mindful moments are those beautiful, grounded times when you’re actually here.

You notice the smell of your coffee. You feel the breeze on your face. You don’t rehearse what to say in a conversation, you just listen.

But then there are the mindless moments.

You scroll, you stare at the ceiling, you dance in the kitchen, you make a snap decision in Aldi because the queue’s long and you’re hungry.

These moments matter too.

Mindlessness isn’t laziness, it’s creativity, restoration, and sometimes, your secret superpower.

Need proof?

Ever had your best idea in the shower or while driving? That’s because your unconscious mind was pottering around in the background doing its thing. Genius, right?

Mindful Doesn’t Mean “Calm All The Time”

Let’s be real:

You can be mindful and get angry.

You can be spiritual and binge-watch Netflix with crisps down your top.

You can meditate in the morning and still have a meltdown by tea time, and guess what? You’re still doing great.

Believe me, I’ve been there. I’ve been a single parent to three kids, trying to hold it together while the pasta boils over and someone’s eaten the glitter glue or flooded the bathroom trying to make a potion (again).

Real-Life Mindfulness for Beginners

You don’t need to sit in silence for hours or chant under the moon (unless you want to - go you). Mindfulness can be tiny, doable things that bring you back to now.

Try these:

• Take three deep breaths before opening your mouth when you’re stressed (game-changer).

• Pick your lunch without overthinking - practice those quick, mindless decisions.

• Put your phone down while you eat.

• Notice something beautiful outside - even if it’s just a wonky flower or a happy dog.

• Let your mind wander without guilt sometimes. That’s where magic can happen.

  
  

You’re Not Here to Escape Life - You’re Here to

Live It

You don’t need to fix yourself. You don’t need to become a perfectly calm, yoga-doing, green-juice-drinking guru.

Because that’s what mindfulness really is:

Awareness with a big dose of self-compassion.

And maybe the occasional dance party in your dressing gown.

Lisa Jo x