Let’s face it: we all have those days when we’re convinced that we should be doing something for our mental well-being—whether it’s yoga, journaling, or, of course, the ever-popular meditation. But here’s the thing: mindfulness is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s more like a cozy, perfectly tailored sweater that takes time to find. And believe me, even when you think you’ve nailed it, you might find yourself swapping it out for something else the next day—and that’s okay!

I mean, if you think I meditate the same way every day, you’re in for a surprise. Some days, I’m all about journaling—writing out my thoughts and feelings for months (literally, sometimes months), and then suddenly, I’ll switch gears and sit down for a good ol’ meditation session. It’s like switching from yoga to a HIIT workout—you just feel like doing something different. The beauty of mindfulness is that it doesn’t need to look the same every single day. You do what works for you, even if that means experimenting or mixing up your practices based on what your mind and body need.

Different Strokes for Different Folks: The Many Faces of Meditation

Meditation is a great example of the “one size doesn’t fit all” principle. When people think meditation, they often picture sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, and trying to clear their mind in perfect silence. And while that can be a wonderful practice for some, let’s be real—it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

You don’t have to sit like a monk on a mountaintop to meditate. In fact, meditation can take many forms—some of which may be more “you” than the traditional sitting style. Personally, I enjoy mixing it up, and here are some of my go-to techniques:

1. Breathwork on My Serenity Platform: Who knew a platform could help you breathe better? Seriously though, using my serenity platform for breathwork is one of my favorite mindfulness practices. It’s like giving my body the “chill button” it desperately needs, especially after a hectic day. It’s a great way to reset and focus my energy.

2. Walking Meditations: I’m a huge fan of forest walks. There’s just something about being in nature, hearing the wind through the trees, and letting my thoughts flow naturally. I don’t force it—sometimes I’m just soaking in the sounds, other times I’m focusing on my breathing. Either way, it’s a moving meditation. If you’ve never tried it, get yourself to a park, or better yet, a forest. You might just find that your thoughts become clearer, and you feel more connected to the present moment.

3. Guided Meditations: Some days, my mind is a bit too busy for silence (hello, racing thoughts!). On those days, I turn to guided meditations. There’s something comforting about having someone else guide you through a meditation—whether it’s for stress relief, self-compassion, or deep relaxation. It’s like having a mindfulness coach, minus the gym shorts.

4. Mindful Eating: Okay, I’ll admit it—mindful eating might not look like what you picture when you think of “meditation.” But trust me, sitting down to really taste your food and focus on each bite is a great way to practice mindfulness. Instead of shoveling in lunch while scrolling through your phone, try being present with every flavor and texture. Bonus points if you eat your meal in complete silence.

When Journaling Becomes My Therapy

Sometimes, the most mindful thing I can do is put pen to paper. Yes, journaling is my version of mindfulness therapy, and it doesn’t always look “pretty.” Some months, I can’t stop writing—it’s like a floodgate of thoughts, ideas, and “aha” moments. Then, other times, I’ll look at my journal and wonder if I’ve even written anything in weeks. It’s okay! Mindfulness through journaling is not about consistency; it’s about the quality of your thoughts when you’re in the moment.

When I journal, I’m not writing an essay or trying to make sense of everything—sometimes I just jot down random thoughts, or I’ll make a list of what’s stressing me out. The act of writing can often help me see things more clearly. And when I’m in a deep reflection mode, it’s like I’m meditating with my pen.

So, How Do You Find Your Own Mindful Practice?

Here’s the thing: There’s no right or wrong way to practice mindfulness. If you want to meditate, great! If you prefer journaling, perfect! If walking through a forest sounds more your style, go for it. The key is to try out different approaches, notice how each one makes you feel, and stick with what works for you—no matter how it looks on the outside.

Mindfulness isn’t about following a prescribed formula; it’s about being present with whatever is happening in the moment. It’s not about perfection—it’s about finding what helps you slow down, feel grounded, and gain a little clarity in the process.

So, the next time you feel the pressure to “get your mindfulness routine right,” remember this: It doesn’t need to look the same every day, and it doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s either. Mix it up, find your groove, and don’t forget to have a little fun with it. After all, mindfulness should be as unique as you are. And who knows—maybe you’ll even discover a practice that becomes your very own “serenity platform.” (I’m still waiting for that forest walk to take me to nirvana, but hey, a girl can dream!)

Join me this year and beyond as I share my personal journey of embracing the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that come with aging. Together, we’ll explore the complexities of growing older and discover the beauty in every step of the process with a slice of humour.

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