The Beginning (Doubt is Normal)

If you’ve already decided to explore something for yourself in the realm of stress management, congratulations! You’ve taken a small step, and that’s fantastic.

To keep you from immediately turning back or sneaking away, remember this: even a small step—internally or otherwise—means you believe, at least a little, that something can and should change. This mindset, the idea that you can change, is the first thing you need to acknowledge. That’s why the „mindfulness journey“ always begins with you setting out. Yes, you read that right—it’s a journey, not a short vacation.

The Beginning (Doubt is Still Normal)

So, where to? First and foremost, go where you can get input, methods, and support. This might be a course, workshop, coaching, retreat, or similar, led by an instructor, coach, or trainer with the proper qualifications. They will allow you to directly and concretely experience the methods you’ll learn and use for mindfulness practice and/or stress management.

The goal here is that only through your own full-body experience can you gain the knowledge needed to access your own resources. It’s not about intellectual knowledge transfer but an experiential path that you shape and reflect upon. Your guide provides feedback, opportunities for exchange, motivation, and support—they embody and model the method. You must implement it yourself, but not alone.

Implementation (Resistance and Moments of Joy are Normal)

From this direct experience of the method, you can start to incorporate what you’ve learned into your life in small steps. Integrate it into your daily routines, habits, behaviors, and overall quality of life.

During this learning phase, uncertainties often arise, or it may feel challenging to implement what you’ve learned. That’s perfectly fine! If something stirs resistance within us, it means we’re moving. If it’s uncomfortable, we’re learning. Nothing happens in the comfort zone! We need to step out, but you’re not doing it wrong just because it’s challenging!

Of course, there will also be successes, moments of joy, insights, and shifts that you can celebrate. But the most important thing in this phase is commitment. Stick with it and use the support of others! Don’t avoid, but expand. A community can be very helpful if that’s something you want, but even a „buddy“ or sparring partner who is on the same path can be a great help and enrichment!

The Rest of Life (The Big and Small Waves)

After this structured training and implementation phase, you can create a personal plan that works for your life. If you need it, you can always get support from your coach and/or your team. You can continually learn and deepen new content. And you’ve discovered and understood that it’s in your hands. Now, you are truly on your way. 😊

„You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.“ – Jon Kabat-Zinn

Enjoy mindfulness!

Kristin