Mindfulness Practice

In our fast-paced world, the Japanese concept of Yutori (ゆとり) reminds us how important it is to create space in our lives. Yutori is about finding balance and staying calm by intentionally making room in our schedules, minds, and surroundings. What Does Yutori Mean? At its heart, Yutori translates to "margin" or "leeway." It’s the practice of leaving a little extra — whether it’s time, energy, or space — to keep life from feeling too cramped. This mindful approach to life counters the constant busyness of modern times, creating space for rest, reflection, and connection. The Philosophy Behind Yutori Yutori isn’t just about doing less; it’s about being intentional and mindful. Life becomes richer when we allow for buffers rather than cramming every moment or space to the brim. This philosophy extends to many areas of life: 1. Time Incorporating Yutori into your schedule means leaving gaps between tasks or appointments. These pauses give you time for unexpected delays...

Over the last few days, I’ve been thinking about what I want to achieve in 2025. Be more mindful. Eat healthier. Start intermittent fasting. Write more. Read more. Study towards becoming a mental wellness coach. Be a better teacher. Feel more comfortable in my own skin while working on my fitness. But here’s the thing: I’m waiting for Wednesday to start. When I eat a chocolate, I tell myself, “Better eat this now, because from Wednesday, there’s nothing.” Deep down, I know this isn’t the right mindset. So what is? Why Waiting for ‘The Right Time’ Doesn’t Work Like many of us, I’ve fallen into the trap of believing that change needs a grand starting point—a new year, a new week, or even a specific day like your birthday. It feels tidy, doesn’t it? But this “all or nothing” approach often sets us up for failure. The problem with waiting is that it creates a scarcity mindset: the idea that life will suddenly become restrictive or joyless once you begin. Worse still, it suggests that perfe...

Why Do My Best Intentions Turn Into Coffee and Scrolling? You know the feeling—you go to bed full of ambition, picturing yourself waking up bright and early, sipping water like a health guru, easing into a yoga flow, and journaling with purpose. But when the alarm goes off, reality sets in. Instead of transforming into the morning superstar you envisioned, you grab a cup of coffee and start scrolling through Instagram. What’s going on here? The truth is, this morning battle is all too familiar, and it’s not just about willpower—it’s rooted in psychology and habit. Let’s unpack why coffee and scrolling take over and explore how you can align your intentions with your actions. The Disconnect Between Intentions and Reality At night, we’re reflective and motivated. It’s easy to dream of being a better version of ourselves tomorrow. Psychologists refer to this as “positive projection”—imagining your future self smashing goals gives you a feel-good boost in the present. But when the morning ...