Mindfulness is a practice that involves being in the present moment. It’s a key component of meditation and can help reduce stress, anxiety, and distractions.

It can be helpful to reflect on mindfulness quotes to energize your own mindful practice. These quotes can inspire you to focus on the positive things in life and to avoid dwelling on negative thoughts.

1. Be present

Living in the present moment can help you to let go of stress, prioritize mental health, and slow mind-wandering. To be fully present, focus on what is happening right now–your breath, the movement of your body, the sound of your surroundings. You can also practice paying attention to one particular thing, like a flower or the ceiling, for an extended period of time.

The goal is to train the mind so that thoughts can come and go, but they won’t linger. This allows us to be fully aware of our surroundings and our own internal experience without judgment.

It’s important to remember that mindfulness is a skill that takes time to learn. These mindfulness quotes can help to remind you that being present is not something we are either born with or not, but rather a state of being that requires a lot of practice to master. You can repeat these mindful quotes to yourself throughout the day, during meditations, or at any other point when you feel lost in your own headspace. Alternatively, you can write them down in a journal to keep for later reference.

2. Be curious

Curiosity is the key to unlocking new ideas. It allows you to recognize things that would pass you by if you were not curious. Curiosity can also be a form of meditation. It is an opportunity to be in the present moment and experience your emotions without judgement.

Curious people realize there is so much more to the world than meets the eye. They ask questions and search for answers to the who, what, when, where, why and how of everything around them. They are open-minded and eager to explore new perspectives and solutions to old problems.

Try to be more curious, not judgmental, this year. Even if your family member or friend snaps at you for no apparent reason, wonder what’s up instead of immediately blaming them. This will keep your mind active and your relationships healthy. And who knows, you might find out that they’re really just tired after a long day at work or frustrated over an unfulfilling relationship. Just like you, they deserve your compassion and curiosity.

3. Be kind to yourself

Whether you’re soaking in lavender bubble baths or holding your own hand while breathing deeply, practicing mindfulness helps foster self-kindness. It’s about paying attention to how you feel and what your emotions are telling you, says psychologist Brenda Wade. “If your mind is going a million miles a minute, it’s not possible to be in the moment,” she adds.

Practicing mindfulness can help you notice when your thoughts are unhelpful. For instance, you may catch yourself comparing yourself to others or berating yourself for past mistakes. These negative self-talks aren’t just unkind, but they also deplete energy that could be better spent healing the hurt or improving the future you.

Rather than beating yourself up for something you’ve done, try to be more accepting of your choices and move forward. You can even practice kindness toward yourself by making an effort not to harm yourself again—say, if you’ve eaten too many cookies or binged on junk food for a week. And after you’ve taken care of yourself, try to become bigger than your own concerns and serve others.

4. Be patient

Being patient is an important part of mindfulness, but it’s not always easy. Luckily, there are plenty of mindfulness quotes to inspire you along the way. You can repeat these quotes during meditation, use them as a mantra or even write them down in a journal for daily inspiration.

The Buddha emphasized the importance of patience as a spiritual practice and life skill in his teachings. He said that being patient means being aware of what is happening right now and not wishing things to be different.

It also means accepting that all experiences, good and bad, will pass. This is a hard thing to do, but it can help you be more present in the moment and enjoy the simple pleasures of life like a steaming cup of coffee or quality time with loved ones.

It can also help you be more understanding of other people’s emotions. According to one study, people who are more patient tend to be more generous and compassionate towards others. And lastly, being patient can help you achieve your goals and dreams.

5. Be open

Becoming open involves being able to talk about your feelings and thoughts, whether they’re good or bad. This could mean sharing that you are feeling unhappy at work or that your relationship isn’t working. Alternatively, it might mean talking about the things you enjoy about your job or your life.

Keeping an open mind helps you grow as a person, because new experiences and knowledge build on one another. It can also help you feel more optimistic. Even if there are storms in your life, you can choose to stay positive and see them as opportunities for growth.

Try using mindfulness quotes as a tool to help you on your meditation journey. You can read a quote in the morning to set your intention for the day, or at midday to refocus yourself. You can also use it at bedtime to inspire you to sleep peacefully and wake up refreshed. However you incorporate mindfulness into your life, remember to practice it with compassion and kindness. If you’re having difficulty integrating it into your daily routine, consult with a mental health professional for help.