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How can I find the right form of mindfulness for me?

Mindfulness is a word that we hear a lot these days and it can be confusing as

to what it actually means.


Lianne Balavage -
Lianne Balavage -

with Lianne Balavage -

Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner within Primary Schools


Mind.org defines mindfulness as ‘a technique you can learn which involves noticing what's happening in the present moment, without judgement’.

Mindfulness comes in many different forms and it can mean something different to each person. I asked my friends what the word mindfulness means to them and answers included taking time for themselves; being away from their phone; being aware of their thoughts and prioritising their happiness.


For some it will mean a quiet walk or mindful colouring, to others it’s doing some

breathwork. The goal of mindfulness is to bring your thoughts into the here and now; noticing the physical affect these thoughts are having on your body and being able to bring a calmness into your mind.





As I tell the children I work with:


‘Imagine your body is like a pond and your feelings are like fish. Your job here is to be a pond. Every fish is welcome. No need to do anything except watch them swimming. See what kind of feelings you have today. Sometimes it is hard to just watch them swim by, we might stop being the pond and become a fish like an angry fish. But we are not the fish. We are the pond. Do what you need to come back to the here and now. Practice each day ‘be the pond’.

Until a few years ago I struggled with mindfulness. The art of letting go of my thoughts and being in the present moment wasn’t something that came naturally to me.


Meditation used to frustrate me as my mind was so busy that I was convinced I was doing it wrong. With practice, I came to realise that meditation isn’t about emptying your mind, it’s about acknowledging your thoughts and feelings and moving on. Since I started teaching yoga to children within the organisation, my new mindfulness practice is now carrying out a few rounds of Sun Salutation poses each morning. This gives me time on my own, lets my body stretch and calms my mind. As a working mum life gets hectic and these precious moments are just for me to contribute to my happy mind.

Why don’t you set yourself a challenge to introduce some mindful moments into

your day?

This could be:


  • A cup of tea and a few pages of your book

  • Spending five minutes of your lunch break focusing on your breath

  • Listening to a guided mediation before bed

  • Carrying out a body scan to focus on where you are holding your emotions


As always, you need to do what benefits you and you might try different things before you find a mindfulness practice that aligns with you. However when you do find it, your mind and body will reap the benefits of it.

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