Myths: Mindfulness Is Difficult and Time-Consuming

Because mindfulness is an attitude and way of being, we can move into it as easily and quickly as changing channels on the television. The only difficult parts of mindfulness are remembering to practice it, and to not judge ourselves when we forget, but simply and kindly choose to move back into the moment and pay attention to what is going on.

Mindfulness actually saves time and energy because it eliminates the wear and tear that being sucked unconsciously into the past or future causes our psyches, souls, and selves. Although we can heal the past and plan for the future, we cannot change or control either, which often makes dwelling on them an exercise in frustration and impotence. Mindfulness is also helpful for keeping track of mundane yet crucial details, like where you put your car keys and the time of your next appointment.

Excerpted from The Woman's Book of Mindfulness by Sue Patton Thoele. Available on Amazon.