80 Mindfulness Quotes To Help You Be In The Moment
BY Isabela Sedano, BEng ยท 02ยท07ยท24 ยท LAST UPDATED: 02ยท07ยท24
Picture a person sitting calmly on a garden bench, eyes shut, deeply attuned to the rustling leaves. This is mindfulness in practice - a peaceful state of active attention in the present. Read on for our curated selection of mindfulness quotes and sayings, from monks to motivational speakers, that reflect on the practice, benefits, and relevance of mindfulness as we go about our daily lives.
You can also check out our selection of mindfulness talks for a bit more pep in your day or our mental health quotes exploring lived experience in a related field.
Quick links to our selection of mindfulness quotes:
What happens when we substitute mindless autopilot with mindfulness? Mindfulness brings us to that point where our thoughts are weightless; they come and go without any implications. Our perception brightens as we can connect ourselves freely and easily to our present environment.
Savor your morning brew or feel the quiet rhythm of your heart as you reflect on the mindfulness quotes below.
kencheungphoto on Unsplash
willianjusten on Unsplash
fallsonata on Unsplash
robin_schreiner on Unsplash
haseebjkhan on Unsplash
vishnuvardhanan on Unsplash
anniespratt on Unsplash
krutova_ir on Unsplash
Mindfulness Quotes About The Past And The Future
We tie many of the decisions we make and the actions we take to memories. As humans, we dwell so much on what has happened and what will happen that we sometimes forget “what is.” The past is done and can't be changed. The future will happen in its own time. The present is here for us to live fully, just once.
These quotes remind us that to truly live, we need to pay attention to this very moment. We should appreciate now for all it offers.
Often, we overlook the tiny miracles around us - the soft hum of bees, the soothing rustle of leaves, or even a gentle smile from a stranger. The beauty lies not in grandeur but in the unspoken harmony of life gently unfolding.
The mindfulness quotes in this section invite us to slow down, pay respect to the marvels of the present, and truly listen - to ourselves and others.
Practicing mindfulness is similar to planting a garden. The seeds are our thoughts, and our mind is the fertile soil. When we cultivate a positive attitude, we sow seeds that blossom into positive situations. And even if things do not go our way, our mindset makes us resilient.
So, let’s be conscious of the seeds we're sowing today as we browse the mindfulness quotes below.
robertricharz on Unsplash
timothycdykes on Unsplash
lucas136 on Unsplash
anniespratt on Unsplash
adityachinchure on Unsplash
gchtr on Unsplash
nathananderson on Unsplash
emma on Unsplash
Inspiring Mindfulness Quotes About Acceptance
Life can't always be rainbows and sunshine; storm clouds ought to roll in once in a while. This admission isn't defeat but acceptance of life's normal and integral patches of grey.
Being mindful is not just about gripping onto the present but comprehending its nature, regardless of whether it's a peaceful sea or a raging storm. Once we learn to accept, reaction transforms into thoughtful responses.
son_of_media on Unsplash
matthewhenry on Unsplash
eberhardgross on Unsplash
roiboscht on Unsplash
luciandachman on Unsplash
thenightstxlker on Unsplash
yasirbugra on Unsplash
kenrickmills on Unsplash
Mindfulness Quotes On Pausing And Making Better Choices
Have you ever experienced a stressful situation when time is ticking for a high-stakes decision? Our instinct might be to react impulsively. But let’s envision a new path —a pause, a deep breath, a moment of mindfulness before responding.
This pause doesn’t mean we’re giving up to the pressure. Our brain only takes a detour, re-evaluating and leading us to better choices. So, the next time you are in a pinch, let mindfulness serve as a compass to a more measured response.
seedorff on Unsplash
jpa on Unsplash
sintez on Unsplash
therawhunter on Unsplash
luissantiago on Unsplash
amseaman on Unsplash
Quotes About Mindfulness And Socializing With Others
Scientific evidence supports the positive effects that mindfulness has on relationships.
By practicing meditation focused on compassion, researchers found that willingness to help others increases. This shift is linked to more engaged brain regions responsible for emotion regulation and social cognition2.
So, as you engage with others, bear these words of wisdom in mind that encourage mindfulness and increased empathy.
martinadams on Unsplash
lucabravo on Unsplash
sherkware on Unsplash
saksham on Unsplash
Reminders To Stop Worrying
As discussed in previous sections, mindfulness is clearly beneficial to our well-being. Study results have even recommended it to manage stress effectively.
A 2015 study revealed mindfulness meditation reduces activity in the amygdala1, our stress response center. It also improves the connection between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain related to decision-making.
The next time a cloud is on the horizon, stop overthinking and apply these mindfulness quotes for work, home, and other situations.
guilhermestecanella on Unsplash
supertomm1 on Unsplash
leronep on Unsplash
fabbel78 on Unsplash
lelby1 on Unsplash
gustavolanes on Unsplash
tamieuh on Unsplash
Encouragements On Simply Living Life
As you read the following mindfulness quotes, focus on how you are living life in the present and how you truly want to live. In his quote below, James Baraz, a longtime mindfulness teacher and author of the Awakening Joy series, perfectly summarizes how we should live and accept everything life gives.
As you reflect on the other quotes, see the world as if for the first time. Allow wonders to unfold. Foster kindness and acceptance. Grab every chance to smile, laugh, and dance. In your next meditation session, focus on these kinds of positive thoughts.
jaredevansphoto on Unsplash
shali on Unsplash
martzzl on Unsplash
vegardeid on Unsplash
frankiefoto on Unsplash
renebbernal on Unsplash
Connection Between Nature And Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness takes a new dimension when nature is involved. Mother Earth’s quiet rhythm echoes the tranquility we seek within. So, grab every chance to walk under the forest canopy or feel the earth between your fingers as you garden.
The quote from Andy Puddicombe, co-founder of Headspace, a mindfulness-centered health company, figuratively connects the sky and clouds to our lives. Aside from the rejuvenation nature brings, it can also be a source of mindfulness metaphors.
Incorporating mindfulness into one's lifestyle requires dedication, whether it is 15 minutes or multiple hours a day. If meditation overwhelms you, try journaling. Find clarity as you freely write all your thoughts in a notebook. If writing is not for you, there are more journaling alternatives you can explore.
In the first quote below, Thich Nhat, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist, recommended an effortless practice – drinking tea slowly. In savoring these simple moments, we can genuinely be in the present.
Most importantly, consistency is key, as is patience, bearing in mind that the journey matters more than the destination. Cultivate a mindfulness habit and watch yourself grow towards a kinder, more centered soul.
tom_chen2011 on Unsplash
andreportolesi on Unsplash
kfred on Unsplash
ttah_photos on Unsplash
liane on Unsplash
mantasos on Unsplash
Short Mindfulness Caption To Post Online
Sharing our mindfulness journey online can become an encouragement for others. By posting our challenges and learnings, we not only monitor our progress but also inspire others to start similar paths, thus building a kinder and more present community.
The following short captions range from the timeless wisdom of Plato and Marcus Aurelius to the mantra of brave activists like Maya Angelou. So, pick your favorite mindfulness quote now and share your thoughts on it on your social media platforms.
georby on Unsplash
dagmara_rune on Unsplash
vincentvanzalinge on Unsplash
anniespratt on Unsplash
still_loony on Unsplash
yolk_coworking_krakow on Unsplash
sguestsmith on Unsplash
wizardwork on Unsplash
elissarhaidar on Unsplash
ishaankansal12 on Unsplash
indrajeetwashere on Unsplash
Other Mindfulness Quotes To Think About
Here are other insights from well-known figures for more mindfulness quotes with a different take.
For instance, a renowned mindfulness practitioner, Jon Kabat-Zinn, speaks on mindful parenting. He highlights how work can blind us to our children's growth and how parenthood, if fully embraced, becomes a worthy mindfulness practice itself.
Similarly, another influential figure, Jack Kornfield, warns against losing connection to our inner selves and others due to worldly busyness. He reminds us to resist distraction and stay rooted in the present.