A Gentle Practice: Learning to Be Mindful

Mindfulness wasn’t something I always practiced consciously. When I was first introduced to the idea, I remember thinking, don’t I already notice things? I assumed I was paying attention until I realized how much I was rushing through. True mindfulness, I learned, is about deliberately paying attention. It’s a shift from noticing by default to noticing on purpose.

It takes time to get used to. Paying attention to what I’m feeling, seeing, hearing, touching doesn’t always come naturally in the middle of a busy day. But when I make the effort to pause and really absorb what’s happening, everything softens. I begin to notice the beauty in things I would have otherwise taken for granted: the way light pours through a window, the texture of fabric in my hands, the rhythm of my own breath.

Of the ways I practice mindfulness, photography is where it feels most effortless. When I’m out with my camera, the rest of the world fades away. I become fully present, focused, still, and quietly connected. I’m not thinking about my to-do list or what comes next. I’m tuned in, watching how shadows shift, how colors interact, how a moment unfolds.

With the camera in my hands, I enter a state of flow. I don’t just see, I feel the image before I take it. Photography helps me return to the present moment in a way few other things do. It’s when I feel most grounded. And even though I sometimes drift because let’s be honest, mindfulness doesn’t always stick, I’ve learned that even fleeting moments count.

Some days, I manage to stay present for just a breath or two. Other times, I find myself immersed for minutes before my mind wanders. It’s a little like meditation. It takes practice. And patience.

I like to think of mindfulness as a gentle invitation, not a demand. An invitation to slow down, to be here now, to notice what’s already around us. Whether it’s through the lens of a camera or a quiet moment at home, there are always opportunities to return to ourselves.

And when I do, I find I’m always glad I did.

I’d love to hear from you. What helps you stay grounded in the moment? Whether it’s a daily ritual, a creative outlet, or something completely unexpected, feel free to share your own mindful practices with me. Let’s learn from each other and keep showing up, one present moment at a time. Send me an email: aderonke@abwilsonconsulting.com

The image above is the featured photograph for June in the 2025 Let’s Spend The Year Together calendar, a quiet reflection of the month’s theme: mindfulness.