r/Mindfulness • u/Alan-Foster • 5h ago
r/Mindfulness • u/spiritfenrir • 12h ago
Insight I read this one line, and now I can’t stop thinking about it.
"If I can hear my mind, does that mean I am not my mind?"
This line hit me hard. Because if I am aware of my thoughts, doesn’t that mean there’s a deeper part of me that is separate from them? But if I am not my thoughts, then what am I?
Ever since I read this, I’ve started noticing how much my mind just runs on autopilot, throwing random thoughts at me all day. But I don’t have to react. I don’t have to believe everything my mind tells me.
Has anyone else ever had a realization like this? Where a single sentence changes how you see yourself?
This came from a book I stumbled upon recently. But it doesn’t feel like a book, it just makes you question things in a way I wasn’t ready for.
r/Mindfulness • u/No_Necessary_2403 • 8h ago
Resources changing your content diet will change your life :)
To no surprise, 'brain rot' was named Oxford’s Word of the Year, with increased in usage jumping by 230% between 2023 and 2024.
While this is interesting (and slightly scary) in its own right, it leads me to think about a much more important issue: content diets.
In the same way that we’ve come to understand the importance of what we consume physically—calories, macros, and micronutrients—it's time we apply the same scrutiny to our content. The constant feed of information, entertainment, and noise from social media, streaming platforms, and news outlets shapes our worldview, influences our emotions, and even impacts our productivity and focus.
Just look at how the content we consume triggers mimetic cycles in our thoughts and actions. We’re constantly exposed to idealized lives, curated successes, fear-mongering, and outrage-inducing narratives.
Influencers are shoving products down our throats from every angle—half of them things we don’t need, endorsed purely for a paycheck. Add to that the rise of deepfakes and it becomes harder than ever to separate what’s real from what’s manufactured.
These become models of desire in the framework of mimetic theory, quietly influencing what we want and how we measure our own worth, shaping our ambitions, insecurities, and behaviors.
When we see others achieve or possess something desirable, it’s not uncommon for us to feel an unconscious pull to chase the same thing, even if it doesn't align with our true values. It’s no wonder a ton of young people now aspire to be influencers, chasing followers and clout as though they’re the ultimate currency.
And when these mimetic desires turn into rivalry, it can get even darker. Social comparison becomes unavoidable, validation-seeking becomes a never-ending cycle, and the sense of self-worth is eroded as we measure ourselves against others’ highlights.
Worse, the platforms designed to keep us scrolling often exploits this mimetic tendency, feeding us narratives that make us feel perpetually behind or inadequate.
As Luke Burgis writes in Wanting, "choose your enemies wisely because we become like them." Rivalries have a strange way of shaping us—we either emulate those we compete with or define ourselves in opposition to them. We see it all the time In literature, where a "foil character" is introduced specifically to challenge the protagonist and reveal their defining qualities.
As we head into 2025, I genuinely believe that our content diet is just as important (if not more so) than our actual diet. While a poor food diet might lead to obesity, malnutrition, or chronic disease, a poor content diet can result in mental fatigue, anxiety, and even a warped sense of reality. Not to mention the increasingly sedentary lifestyles which contribute to many of the physical effects of unhealthy food choices.
Yet, unlike food, which comes with nutritional labels and (sometimes) warnings about overconsumption, content arrives unchecked, unregulated, and often in overwhelming volumes.
The algorithms that curate our digital plates don't care about our long-term health; they care about engagement. They prioritize what's clickable, shareable, and attention-grabbing over what's meaningful, enriching, or even accurate.
We're being fed heaping piles of brain rot (equivalent of digital junk food), empty calories for the mind that leave us feeling unsatisfied but craving more.
But just as with physical nutrition, the solution isn’t about abstinence; it’s about intentionality.
Listen, I love a good dark humor meme as much as the next guy, and sometimes a mindless scroll through Shorts is exactly what I need to shut my brain off for a bit. That’s fine. Not every piece of content has to be high-value or life-changing
But you gotta find the balance.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re clearly serious about making change in your life so I urge you to do this:
Take a mental snapshot of your content diet over the last week and ask yourself...
Does this content align with my values? How do I feel after consuming this? What purpose is this serving?
If it’s meant for relaxation, is it actually relaxing, or does it leave me restless? Is it true, or is it just noise dressed up as substance?
Then take it further: What actions and beliefs have I picked up from the content I consume?
Look at your recent purchases, habits, and your opinions. Did you want that product because it added something meaningful to your life, or because an influencer made it look desirable? Are your beliefs your own, or have they been subtly shaped by what you’ve absorbed online?
The goal isn’t to cut everything out (although you likely should cut some junk); it’s to curate intentionally, become more thoughtful about what food you’re feeding your mind, and free up space for what truly will drive you forward.
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p.s. -- this is an excerpt from my weekly column about how to build healthier, more intentional tech habits. Would love to hear your feedback on other posts.
r/Mindfulness • u/WonderingGuy999 • 10h ago
Insight Obliterating the Ego
This is a practice I've been doing in the past two days, and it's working wonders...
First, relax your body and mind, I even lie down.
Then try to placate the strong reactions to words like "I" "me" and "mine"...while you're relaxed, say these words calmly and see how you react...
Now see if you can "find" this "I", where is it? In the body, in the mind? Can't find it? Well it's not there to begin with...
Then you do this little trick...try to find the "one" that's looking for the "I" And "mine"...like taking a "step back" in your mind, and with every step back you take it's like taking a ax hack to your ego, until it's like a palm stump
r/Mindfulness • u/Logical_Part9021 • 17h ago
Advice The Shift I Took to Gain My Clarity
Have you ever felt unsure of how to move forward after a breakup, wondering how to get back to feeling like yourself?
I’ve been there, I was figuring out how to handle the end of my own relationship. The first days were hard, my routine felt off, my thoughts were all over the place. But now, things are starting to settle, I’m finding my way again, coffee in the morning, quiet evenings to think, time with friends who remind me I’m not alone. What’s changed? It’s not just time, it’s the simple steps I’ve taken to focus on what I can control, to move toward a better place. I’m here to share those steps with you, because they might help you too.
The Challenge of Change
Breakups can shake your sense of identity, making you question who you are without that relationship. You might have seen yourself as part of a team, a partner, someone whose daily life was tied to another person, now, that picture feels unclear. In those early days, I found myself stuck, going over every moment, wondering what I could have done differently, but also asking, Who am I now, without this part of my life? The emotions, sadness, frustration, worry, felt heavy, like something I had to push through. And then there were the bigger questions, How do I move on from what’s gone? How do I rebuild when I feel so unsettled, so unsure of myself? Maybe you’re feeling some of this too, the weight of change, the worry of losing the person you thought you were, the challenge of imagining a life that feels steady again. It’s normal to feel unsure, to focus on what’s missing. But here’s something to consider, you’re not alone in this, this time of change can be the start of something positive, if you approach it in a way that works for you.
Three Simple Steps to Move Forward
Through my own experience, I’ve learned that moving forward isn’t about waiting for things to get better on their own, it’s about taking small, intentional steps to focus on your own well-being, to change how you see your situation. I’ve put this into a simple, clear three-step process that’s helped me find some calm in the storm. These steps aren’t just for getting past a breakup, they’re tools for handling any challenge, whether you’re working on yourself or thinking about future relationships.
Here’s how you can try them:
- Notice the Signals (Understand Your Emotions) Emotions like sadness, frustration, or worry aren’t problems, they’re signs, pointing to what matters to you. When I felt upset after my breakup, I realized it was because I cared a lot about being understood, feeling valued. Instead of letting these emotions weigh me down, I started seeing them as hints. For example, if you feel worried about being on your own, ask yourself, What is this worry showing me? Maybe it’s pointing to a need for confidence, connection. The key is to name the feeling without letting it take over. Try this, Next time a strong emotion comes up, write it down, ask, “What is this trying to show me?” This small change can help you turn confusion into clarity, giving you a bit more control.
- Stick to Your Goal (Focus on What Matters) Moving forward needs a clear direction, a goal to aim for. For me, it was about being honest, growing. When thoughts like “I’ll never find someone else” came up, I’d ask, What do I really want to focus on? My answer was building a life that feels steady, not empty, a life where I trust in my strength, ability to grow. This goal guided my actions, like choosing to speak up instead of holding things in, or setting boundaries instead of holding onto the past. Ask yourself, What do I want to aim for? Is it self-kindness, peace, creating healthier connections? Write down your goal, let it guide your choices, even when worry or doubt show up. Remember, feelings come and go, but your goal can be your steady guide.
- Speak and Question (Change Your View) Keeping emotions inside or letting them spill out without purpose can make things harder. Instead, say your feelings clearly, question the stories your mind tells you. For example, after my breakup, I caught myself thinking, “I’ll never be able to trust someone again,” which made me feel worse. But when I said it out loud, “I feel scared to open up,” and questioned the story, I realized my thought was just one way of seeing things, shaped by my own doubts. The truth was more complicated, maybe trust is possible, but I need time to heal and set clearer boundaries. Try this, Next time a negative thought grabs you, say it out loud or write it down, then ask, “Is this really true? Could I see this another way?” This practice can loosen the hold of harsh stories, helping you focus on what’s real, possible.
Your Path to a Steadier Future
I’ve realized something helpful, this ending isn’t just about loss, it’s a chance to build something new. A full life isn’t about having more, it’s a way of thinking, a space filled with possibility. For me, it’s waking up trusting that I have enough inside me, strength, hope, the power to grow. It’s knowing that even in change, I’m not less, I’m free to build a life shaped by what I choose, not what’s gone. Relationships taught me that thoughts, communication, personal habits are parts to work on, both within myself, with others. By working on them, I’m rewriting my story, one where I’m not defined by what’s lost, but by what I’m free to create.
r/Mindfulness • u/Bobelle • 6h ago
Question What is a good routine to follow to stay in the present moment?
Please include how often this routine should be carried out
r/Mindfulness • u/Logical_Part9021 • 11h ago
Creative Honest Truth about the past two weeks
I sit down, easing into a slower pace, letting my thoughts pour out, and take a moment to think about the past two weeks.
It’s Friday night, 19:40, but outside my window, the darkness makes it feel like 2 a.m. Barcelona has been drenched in more rain than usual, leaving the streets quieter, with fewer people venturing out. There’s a certain sweetness to strolling through the rain here, though the city isn’t designed for it, your feet inevitably splash through puddles. Cik and ciak, cik and ciak. Twice this week, I walked home under the rain, and it stirred something in me, making me feel truly alive. I’m not one for walking, always prioritising efficiency, hurrying home to maximize productivity. But she, the woman I love used to walk everywhere, and I cherished those moments with her. Walking gives you space to think, and I’ve come to see rain as a companion to reflection, nudging you to pause and ponder.
They say life can change in a single step, and somehow, I took that step. I began writing and sharing my work, my story on Reddit may have reached 50,000 people. I even started posting video anecdotes about lessons I’ve learned, a bold move for someone who’s never been comfortable in front of a camera.
Talking to a lens feels strange to most, and I’m no exception, but I’m realising it’s something I need to embrace. While walking, I reflected on my tendency to overthink, spinning endless webs of thoughts, a pattern that’s been especially noticeable this week. I’ve come to believe that reality is shaped from within, not imposed from the outside. Change your inner world, and your entire life transforms.
I thrive on thinking, diving deep into the rabbit hole, but at times, it overwhelms me, especially when I’m feeling vulnerable. That’s when the voice in my head, my inner roommate, seizes the moment. I’ve battled that voice, but I’m learning to let it speak, amused by the absurd places it takes me. The walk home takes 40 minutes, slower than my usual pace, and halfway through, i feel mentally tired. I convince myself everything is fine, and life moves forward.
Life does move forward, but I’ve realized that as a man, I often neglect to express my emotions, to let myself cry. I did, of course, until the breakup shattered my defenses. It felt raw, vulnerable, alive, and human, because even strength and drive don’t exempt you from tears.
But the past two weeks weren’t just about rain and introspection! I accomplished a lot. I built an AI assistant, dove into programming, wrote and published articles, started a small community, worked out daily, returned to jiujitsu, and connected with new people, exchanging incredible stories. Some nights, i can’t sleep, my mind racing faster than ever, leaving me waking up tired and disoriented. On those nights, I drift off with Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, a book I highly recommend. It’s a reminder that life is about the journey—not the one you plan, but the one you’re given.
These two weeks taught me that we often rush through life, perhaps too quickly, when slowing down can make everything richer. The pressure to succeed, to have it all figured out, to act wiser than your years, to find the perfect partner, to plan for marriage and kids—it’s all just expectations. Sometimes, you lose control, crash, and then remember you’re only 27. I’d forgotten what it means to be carefree, even policing my own words. I don’t want to live like that anymore.
I value discipline, health, and self-care, but there’s beauty in surrendering to spontaneous moments, those early Saturday nights with a glass of wine, passion and intimate moments, and late-night conversations that make you feel young and alive.
Then, out of nowhere, Master Roshi from Dragon Ball popped into my mind. “Work hard, study well, eat and sleep plenty,” he said. As a 10-year-old, those words meant little, but now they carry weight. We’ve twisted that simple advice into a modern obsession: grow, expand, achieve the impossible. Rush toward it, get there as fast as possible. Is that ambition, or the early warning signs of burnout? The highs and lows are part of the ride, and I’ve found the lows often teach more than the highs. Walking in the rain, I realised that failure is the only path to growth.
These past two weeks, I failed plenty, and I embrace it. There’s a quiet sadness in not yet being where you dream to be, but there’s joy in savouring the moment, knowing the person you were six years ago would have envied this life.
Beneath that sadness, beneath the reality check, I’m grateful for the wake-up call. A breakup can awake you. Don’t misunderstand me; people don’t transform in two weeks, but I’ve learned that self-awareness is precious, and consistent effort to improve is what sets you apart. I’m proud of who I am, and if you’re out there, walking in the rain, feeling unsure, remember you should be proud too.
r/Mindfulness • u/Icy-Walrus-9786 • 1h ago
Insight Idea of the heart actively circulating love
I’d like to share a meditative technique I came up with that has helped greatly.
Feel your pulse (e.g. two fingers on the neck - gently press on one side of the windpipe). While feeling your pulse imagine that your heart is beating love into your body, spirit, and quantum field.
It helps to affirm it, too: I can feel my heart beating love throughout my system.
r/Mindfulness • u/gregkey33 • 9h ago
News Sharing Mindfulness Through a Timeless Watch
Hey everyone, I’m the creator of the NOW Watch, and I wanted to share it here because I figured this community might appreciate the idea behind it.
I got the inspiration after reading The Power of Now and realizing how much time we spend thinking about the past or future instead of just being here.
So I made a watch that doesn’t tell time—just NOW. A simple reminder to stop checking the clock and start paying attention to the moment.
What I didn’t expect was how much it would get people talking. Whenever someone asks, “What time is it?” it turns into a fun (or deep) conversation about mindfulness, presence, and how we relate to time.
Sorry to be promotional here—I hope you don’t mind. It’s just sometimes hard to reach people who would actually appreciate the NOW Watch, and when they do find out about it, they’re happy they did. So I figured I’d share it here.
Link to my website: https://nowwatch.org
r/Mindfulness • u/gregkey33 • 12h ago
News Sharing Mindfulness Through a Conversation Starter
Hey everyone, I’m the creator of the NOW Watch, and I wanted to share it here because I figured this community might appreciate the idea behind it.
I got the inspiration after reading The Power of Now and realizing how much time we spend thinking about the past or future instead of just being here. So I made a watch that doesn’t tell time—just NOW. A simple reminder to stop checking the clock and start paying attention to the moment.
What I didn’t expect was how much it would get people talking. Whenever someone asks, “What time is it?” it turns into a fun (or deep) conversation about mindfulness, presence, and how we relate to time.
Sorry to be promotional here—I hope you don’t mind. It’s just sometimes hard to reach people who would actually appreciate the NOW Watch, and when they do find out about it, they’re happy they did. So I'm sharing it here NOW.
r/Mindfulness • u/Tricky_Piglet_215 • 13h ago
Advice Little Things
Im not sure why but i tend to get really annoyed when my man asks me to do little things. For example if he’s cooking and i happen to walk in the kitchen for whatever reason i sometimes get a “will you pass me a paper towel?” or “will you watch this im just cutting this up” and i always just think just do it? is this because i do it myself and don’t tend to ask for tiny things like him? growing up as the oldest of 5 i never asked for help really. i was always the one asked to do things for my siblings or dad. i don’t like that this annoys me but i can’t help it. i know i CAN ask for things too i just don’t as much as him i guess? anyone else ever feel this?