Mindfulness and Healing

Healing is a journey, a gentle, winding path that invites us to walk at our own pace, to breathe deeply, and to find peace within ourselves. Along my journey, mindfulness has been my faithful companion, offering me moments of stillness, room to reflect, and a loving way to reconnect with my own heart. It is a quiet, seemingly simple yet profoundly transformative practice, capable of softening pain into peace and bringing clarity to even the stormiest days.

I am often asked what mindfulness is and how it has taught me and lovingly guided me on a healing journey. At its heart, mindfulness is simply about being present. It’s the gentle act of tuning in to the here and now without judgment or distraction. Choosing to be present is a radical act of self-love in a world that constantly pulls us in a thousand directions.

For me, mindfulness began with small, tender moments; watching the sunlight dance upon the leaves outside my window, reflecting shimmering diamonds on the lake's water, or simply feeling the rise and fall of my breath. These tiny aware moments anchored me and kept me steady when emotional waves felt overwhelming. They reminded me that peace can be found in the simplest of moments if only we take the time to slow down and notice.

Healing, whether from emotional pain or physical discomfort, asks us to face our hurt with open hearts. It is here that mindfulness works its quiet magic. Instead of fleeing from discomfort, drowning our pain, or denying pain’s existence, mindfulness gently invites us to sit with the discomfort, to listen with compassion and open curiosity.

When I first embraced mindfulness, my heart was heavy with grief and the rage that weighed heavily from unresolved pain. I had spent years burying these feelings, afraid to face them. But being present showed me another way, one where I could meet my pain with kindness and patience. With each breath, I began to unravel the truths I had been hiding from and slowly started to heal.

Science tells us that mindfulness reduces stress, enhances mental well-being, and even eases physical pain. But beyond the research, I have found that mindfulness offers something far more precious: the gentle, sustainable path to healing. It is not a quick fix but a loving practice of being and accepting ourselves, exactly as we are.

If you feel drawn to explore mindfulness, here are some simple, nurturing ways to begin:

Breathing with Presence

Take a few moments each day to breathe. Inhale deeply, feeling the cool air entering your nose and filling your lungs. Hold the breath for a moment, then gently exhale, feeling the release and relaxation as the air leaves your body. Let each breath remind you that you are anchored in this moment.

Body Scans with Compassion

Before bed or when first waking in the morning, take a gentle journey through your body scanning it in your mind’s eye. Starting from the top of your head, slowly scan down to your toes. Notice any tension or discomfort, and send loving, compassionate breaths to those places.

Journaling from the Heart

Let your thoughts flow freely onto the page, without editing or judgment. This practice has been a cornerstone of my healing, helping me see my emotions clearly and lovingly. My first book, Leaning Tree, was born from these heartfelt pages, a testament to the healing power of putting pen to paper.

Observation with Wonder

Choose something beautiful around you—a flower, tea, or the sky above. Observe it closely, noticing the colors, textures, and shapes. This simple practice invites you to appreciate the world around you fully, one precious detail at a time.

Gratitude Practice with Joy

Each evening, write down three things you are grateful for. It doesn’t have to be grand—sometimes the smallest blessings are the sweetest. Gratitude gently shifts our focus from what’s missing to the beauty already here, opening our hearts to joy.

Mindfulness is not reserved for special moments; it is a way of being. You can bring mindfulness to anything—washing dishes, walking in the park, or savoring your morning coffee. The key is to slow down, breathe deeply, and treasure each moment as it unfolds.

Mindfulness does not seek to remove pain but to transform our relationship with it. It invites us to sit bravely with what hurts, to breathe through the discomfort, and to trust that growth blooms from even the most challenging places. If you are healing, I gently encourage you to explore mindfulness. Take small steps, be patient with yourself, and trust the beautiful process of witnessing the beautiful wholeness within.

I am here, walking this path alongside you. If these words resonate with you or you’ve found ways to practice mindfulness, I would love to hear from you. Together, we can continue to grow, heal, and celebrate our peace.

With love and light, Daisy Heaven