A Simple Mindfulness Practice to Let Go of Stress
Mindfulness is about gently guiding our attention to the present moment, accepting whatever arises without judgment. With the demands of everyday life, it's natural to feel overwhelmed or distracted at times. Mindfulness helps us break free from that cycle, allowing us to be more present with ourselves, our emotions, and our surroundings. It’s a kind and compassionate way to slow down and make space for clarity and peace, even when life feels challenging.
The beauty of mindfulness is in its simplicity. You don’t need to empty your mind or force yourself to feel any certain way. It’s simply about noticing what’s happening in the moment—our thoughts, emotions, and sensations—without getting caught up in them. It helps us respond to life more thoughtfully, rather than reacting out of stress or frustration.
If you're new to mindfulness or looking for a peaceful way to center yourself, here's a warm and simple practice you can try:
Leaves on a Stream Exercise
Find a cozy spot where you can sit comfortably and relax. Close your eyes or keep them softly focused.
Take a few deep, soothing breaths—inhale slowly through your nose, and exhale gently through your mouth, letting go of any tension in your body.
Now, imagine you’re sitting beside a calm, flowing stream. Picture the water moving gently, carrying with it a peaceful rhythm.
As you sit by the stream, notice the thoughts that arise in your mind. Imagine each one as a leaf floating onto the water.
Place each thought on a leaf and watch it drift away down the stream. Whether it’s a worry, a plan, or a feeling, let it gently float away, knowing it will pass.
If your mind gets busy or you find yourself holding onto a thought, kindly remind yourself to return to the stream. Let each thought be like a leaf, gently moving away.
Spend 5-10 minutes with this practice, allowing the leaves to carry your thoughts away and finding comfort in the stillness.
This practice is a gentle way to connect with yourself. It teaches us that thoughts, feelings, and worries are natural—they come and go, and we don’t need to hold onto them. With time, this simple act of letting go can help bring more peace into our everyday lives.
If you’re curious about mindfulness and how it can bring more peace into your life, there are many wonderful resources to help you get started. You can explore guided practices, helpful tips, and simple techniques to make mindfulness a part of your daily routine. Visit mindful.org whenever you're ready to dive deeper and begin your journey toward calm, clarity, and presence.