From Yoga to Mindfulness: My Story

My mindfulness journey actually started way back in 2018, even though I didn’t realize it at the time. I had been practicing yoga for over 10 years, but honestly—only for the physical benefits. The stretch, the sweat, the movement…that’s why I showed up.

But at some point, I started noticing that something else was happening. I was feeling calmer, more grounded, and somehow more aware—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

That curiosity eventually led me to take a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) at Yoga Six—not because I planned to teach, but because I wanted to deepen my own practice. And everything changed.

Mindfulness and awareness began showing up in my day-to-day life…not just on the mat. It slowly became a lifestyle, and I found myself wanting more—more understanding, more tools, more ways to integrate presence into everyday life.

That eventually led me to my Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course in 2022. I still have the welcome email saved:

“We look forward to meeting all of you and taking this rich and insightful journey in cultivating mindfulness with you.”

And honestly—that’s exactly what it felt like: rich, insightful, and deeply transformative.

The biggest takeaway wasn’t a specific technique—it was the way I now approach mindfulness as a whole. Instead of thinking it had to look a certain way or that I needed to do it “right,” I learned that mindfulness is a practice that evolves with you.

During one of our sessions, I wrote this down in my notes, and it’s something I come back to often:

“It doesn’t matter how often your mind wanders—what matters is how compassionately you bring yourself back.”

That line shifted everything for me. It reminded me that mindfulness isn’t about perfection or constant presence; it’s about returning—gently, kindly, and without judgment.

I was SO fortunate that the schedule worked for me that season of life. I still feel grateful I made the time.

What Worked for Me: My Favorite Online Mindfulness Courses

1. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

MBSR is considered the gold standard of mindfulness programs—and for good reason. It combines meditation, movement, and awareness in a truly life-shifting way.

Why I recommend it:

• it changed how I approach mindfulness

• it gave me real tools to use daily

• it helped me reframe my stress response

• great for beginners and experienced learners

2. Scroll Mindfully: How Social Media Can Become Part of Your Mindfulness Routine

There are so many amazing mindfulness programs and creators out there (including mine 😉), and one of my favorite ways to stay inspired is simply by following accounts that share small, doable practices. On social media, you’ll find bite-size mindfulness ideas—quick games, breathing exercises, grounding practices, and simple reminders you can try any time.

There’s really no need to reinvent the wheel. Mindfulness content already exists everywhere—so there’s zero pressure and absolutely no stress to create routines from scratch. When you start following accounts that support mindfulness, your algorithm begins to shift too. Suddenly your feed becomes part of your mindful lifestyle—nudging you gently into daily awareness.

Think of these creators and programs like a mindfulness “sample platter”—you can try little pieces, see what resonates, and discover what actually works for you and your family.

What these programs all tend to offer:

• bite-size real-life ideas

• playful, not rigid

• simple things you can try in the moment

  
  

And of course—this is what I love sharing through Play Purposefully as well. My goal is to help make mindfulness feel fun, accessible, and realistic for both grown-ups and kids.

3. Calm App 

I personally use Calm and have for years—and I love how easy it is to fit into mornings, or even a quick 10-minute session whenever it works.

When I’m consistent, I feel the difference in my day—100%.

BONUS: I actually use Calm during takeoff on flights, and I swear it helps calm my flying nerves AND gets me super focused to get work done once we’re in the air. 

4. Online Programs for Kids

If you’re interested in helping children learn mindfulness and emotional awareness, there are fantastic online programs designed specifically for kids. These platforms teach tools like breathing, emotional regulation, and calming strategies in playful ways. Many use animation, storytelling, or movement, which keeps kids engaged and makes mindfulness feel fun—not forced.

Why I love this category: These programs are designed with kids’ real needs in mind, especially around big feelings, transitions, attention, and self-regulation. They also give parents support and language to use at home.

Great options to explore:

• GoZen!

• Cosmic Kids “Zen Den”

• Calm Classroom

• Little Flower Yoga

  
  

Benefits:

• kid-friendly tools

• emotional regulation support

• practical for families

• fun, not overwhelming

  
  

These make mindfulness accessible for kids and parents—which I love because mindful families learn together.

Mindful schools are also a fantastic option. They specialize in mindfulness for children and educational environments, which I obviously love for a million reasons. 😄

How I Practice Mindfulness Now

I go through ebbs and flows. And that’s OK. Mindfulness isn’t something I “master,” it’s something I come back to again and again. When I’m “flowing,” it truly shifts my day—my focus, my patience, and my ability to be present with my kids.

What I’ve learned is that the practice is forever evolving—and that’s actually part of the process. In yoga philosophy there’s a principle called Aparigraha (non-attachment), which reminds us not to cling to how things should look, but to stay open to what’s happening right now.

For me, that means letting go of the idea of a perfect daily routine or judging myself when I fall out of rhythm. The real practice is noticing, returning, and allowing mindfulness to shift as life shifts.

I’m now looking forward to incorporating mindfulness into my end-of-day routine because I keep hearing about the connection between mindfulness and sleep quality, and that is my next personal experiment.

My biggest encouragement:

Just start. 

Try things. 

Adjust as you go.

Mindfulness isn’t a one-size practice—it’s deeply personal. It can change, evolve, disappear and return—and that’s part of the journey.

Whatever works for you right now…is the right way. 💛

Share your favorite practices

I would love to hear what’s working for you—head to my Instagram post and share your favorite mindfulness tools, apps, or habits. I love learning from this community and seeing what everyone else is trying!