A year of mindfulness: what 365 days on the cushion taught me about life
Here’s a completely unrelated picture of my cat in a shopping bag, because apparently, that’s what LinkedIn’s algorithm loves. Now that I’ve gamed the system, let’s dive into the real stuff.
A year ago, I embarked on a journey to practice mindfulness every single day. Not for a badge, not for a streak, and definitely not to impress my ego. I started with one simple “why”: to explore how mindfulness could improve my emotional regulation and help me cultivate curiosity and a non-judgmental attitude towards myself, others, and the world. What began as a scientific enquiry turned into something far more transformative.
Why the why matters
Let’s start here. Why do we do anything? Your “why” is what carries you on those days when showing up feels impossible. It’s what pulls you to the cushion when everything else is screaming for your attention. For me, the key difference this time was that my why wasn’t driven by achievement. Instead, it was about curiosity—how could mindfulness help me live better, feel better, and show up more fully in life?
This was a game-changer. Instead of battling with my ego (and trust me, I’ve done that), I felt grounded in a purpose that wasn’t about ticking a box but about genuine growth.
So, if you’re starting out, spend time finding your why. Write it down. Tattoo it on your brain. Because when life inevitably gets messy, your why will be the anchor that keeps you steady.
Tips for forming the habit
When I started, I didn’t jump into a 45-minute seated practice expecting to hit Zen enlightenment by week two (spoiler alert, I still haven’t found it!). Instead, I focused on two principles: start broad and start small.
Broad: mindfulness isn’t just about sitting cross-legged for hours on end. It’s a mindset that can be applied to everything—mindful walking, mindful eating, even mindful breathing while standing in a queue. Some days, my practice was as simple as taking three deep breaths and reconnecting with myself.
Small: the minimum requirement was to show up. Some days, that meant a full practice. Other days, it was three minutes. One of my go-to practices was the three-minute breathing space practice adapted from the MBCT (get in touch if you would like an audio recording). It’s short, powerful, and doable no matter how packed your schedule is.
By lowering the barrier to entry, I built consistency. And consistency, not perfection, is what rewires your brain.
What my practice taught me
Each morning, I started with a simple exercise: pinpointing two emotions that described my state. Over time, I noticed patterns. Mornings, I found, are the most honest mirrors of our emotional state. This awareness helped me approach my day with intention.
I also learned something deeply comforting: all emotional states—pleasant or unpleasant—pass. Recognising this has been like carrying a little pocket-sized dose of resilience wherever I go.
As my practice deepened, it became a space to align my three brains: head, heart, and gut. When these three align, it’s like unlocking a new level of clarity and wisdom. Suddenly, I wasn’t just thinking through decisions—I was feeling and intuiting them too. This alignment has helped me make hard, but ultimately right, decisions for myself and the wider ecosystem I’m part of.
Mindfulness as second nature
After 365 days, mindfulness feels as natural as breathing. I don’t need to motivate myself anymore—it’s simply part of who I am. This shift is a testament to the neuroplasticity of our brains. Mindfulness has rewired mine in ways I never imagined possible.
This year-long journey hasn’t just made me calmer or more present. It’s made me more me. And that’s the greatest gift mindfulness has to offer: a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us.
So, if you’re considering starting a mindfulness practice, my advice is simple. Find your why. Start small. Keep going. And maybe, just maybe, post a picture of a cat to get the algorithm on your side.
What’s your why? I’d love to hear about it. Share in the comments or drop me a message—I promise to reply mindfully.
Be more you, stay curious, and keep mindful.
Love,
Dag
P.S. If you are a tech startup executive or leader curious to learn about a body oriented approach to coaching, please get in touch via my website dagmaraaldridge.com, email coaching@dagmaraaldridge.com, or use the ‘Book a Meeting’ button on my LinkedIn profile.
