Why I practice mindfulness, but struggle with its woo-woo reputation.

I want to start by saying, I’m a massive advocate for mindfulness. I have huge respect for the science, the Buddhist roots and the teachings that underpin it. It’s also fair to say that mindfulness is often misunderstood, and at times, it has a bad reputation. Some days I genuinely feel like it needs a full rebrand, so people can practise the thing without getting caught up in the idea of the thing.

As a field, it can be perceived as very soft. Woolly. A bit tie‑dye. Delivered in an overly breathy voice, like a whispery M&S advert. The imagery is often someone cross‑legged, eyes closed, extending a longggg, ultra slow, theatrical ommmmm.

Now, honestly, in certain seasons of my life, I’ve been all for that. I appreciate woo‑woo in the right time and place, and it can be a helpful reset. But day‑to‑day, I want something practical that fits into the busyness of life. Something that meets a busy brain and a busy workday and allows you a few minutes to sense check and reset. And quite honestly, I don’t want to sit for an hour and meditate, and yes, I know that famously means I probably should, but it creates a barrier that I don’t feel is helpful. It can make mindfulness feel inaccessible and out of touch with the reality of everyday life.

And yet I say this knowing the benefits. I’ve felt them first‑hand. And the scientific evidence base is huge.

So here’s a clearer, more balanced take on why mindfulness might be worth exploring, especially if you’ve previously rolled your eyes at it.

What Mindfulness Actually Is

Mindfulness is simply: Paying attention, on purpose, without judgment.

Or: noticing what’s going on in your thoughts, your body, and your feelings. And observing it with openness rather than criticism.

Definitely no incense required.

Why This Matters

Modern life is relentless – our brains are overstimulated and we over‑rely on the “thinking” part of the brain – the analysis, the planning, the catastrophising, and far less on our full experience. Because its often more subtle and takes some practice tuning in. (This is a skill that can be taught!) And as we know, our thoughts aren’t facts. Even though we’re sure we’re right, often we’re either not, or it’s a bit more nuanced. Thoughts can steer us into patterns of worry, rumination and emotional reactions that aren’t always helpful.

MBCT aka Mindfulness‑Based Cognitive Therapy, teaches something called decentring, which is the ability to notice what’s happening in your mind without being swept away by it. It’s the skill of creating space between your reaction and your response. Observing yourself with kind curiosity rather than harsh judgment. The classic – ‘would we speak to a friend like that, or just ourselves?’

This is where mindfulness can be practical – a must in leadership and daily living.

How It Helps Me

For me, mindfulness is about creating tiny pockets of space to notice what’s going on. And it’s been particularly helpful when:

• I catch myself overthinking
• Noticing notches of stress before it becomes something more overwhelming
• I perceive a situation as worse than it is
• Self‑doubt or imposter syndrome shows up
• I feel angry, frustrated, or irritable
• Something has gone well and I actually stop long enough to celebrate it, rather than brush it off.

These small moments of noticing help shift from autopilot to self‑awareness. They help to respond rather than react. They help to stay human in the middle of a busy, overstimulated world.

A More Realistic View

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be an hour on a cushion (although this would help). It can be:

• Noticing your breath while waiting for the kettle, giving the coffee a sniff before you drink it
• Feeling your feet on the ground before a difficult conversation
• Naming and noticing an emotion that’s rising instead of fighting it or pushing it down
• Taking ten seconds to acknowledge a small win in a day (versus getting stuck on a tiny piece of feedback that wont matter in 5 minutes, never mind 5 years).

It’s not about being calm all the time, that is a very common misconception actually. Instead, it’s about being aware enough to choose how you show up, for yourself, and I guess in doing so, those around you benefit.

And that for me is the real power of mindfulness – the everyday, practical, human skill of paying attention to your life as it’s happening, which sounds weirdly obvious but in reality, just something we’re not wired to do. Dogs are much better at it.

If you want to practice, I have a free WhatsApp community where I share one thing a week to practice and try each week. If you want to embed practices into your day and life, if you’re not showing up in a way that serves you or those around you, I offer 121 mindset mentoring programmes too. I promise no crystal ball or gongs in sight!

[Some of this post has been a bit tongue in cheek. I do want to reiterate my gratitude and respect for the mindfulness field, and teachers far more actualised than I. I’m just sharing the tension I personally feel that I think needs leaning into, so more people can experience the benefits. I would also head towards Oxford Mindfulness Foundation, Oxford University’s Mindfulness Centre and Bangor University, if you want to go more into the research].