Introduction: Before We Talk About “Tiny Mindfulness”

In my previous blog, I shared how incorporating morning and evening meditation into daily life gradually nurtured a sense of spaciousness in my heart. At the end of that entry, I mentioned:

“Next time, I’d like to write about small acts of mindfulness you can practice in between chores and work.”

But before diving into that, a simple question surfaced in my mind:

“Mindfulness—what is it, really?”

I’d seen the term “mindfulness” in books and apps. I thought I understood it. But when I asked myself whether what I was doing truly qualified as mindfulness, I realized I wasn’t entirely sure. That’s why, before discussing how to bring mindfulness into daily life, I’d like to pause and explore that question first.

Then, in the second half, I’ll share my personal experience with what I call “tiny meditation”—a way of reconnecting with myself in stillness, right here, right now, without needing any special time or place. In a way, it's my answer to "meditation near me": meditation that lives in the everyday.

Mindfulness—What Is It?

In books and apps, mindfulness is often described like this:

“Paying attention to the present moment, non-judgmentally and with acceptance.”

When I first read that, I grasped it intellectually, but it still felt distant somehow. However, as I continued my morning and evening meditation, I slowly began to realize something:

The act of noticing doesn’t require any special training or spiritual background. Anyone can do it, anytime, anywhere.

Taking time to simply observe those small moments gently—that, I feel, may be what mindfulness truly is.

In this blog, I won’t delve into the theory of mindfulness meditation. Instead, I want to focus on how we can feel it in everyday life.

Everyday Encounters with Mindfulness

I used to think:

“I don’t have a good place to meditate.”
“I don’t have time.”
“I can’t focus in my room.”

But one day, I realized:

“Maybe… I can do it here.”

● While Washing Dishes

The warmth of the water on your hands. The shimmer of soap bubbles. The weight, the sounds, the textures.
When you wash dishes with awareness, not on autopilot, a quiet stillness emerges.

● In Between Computer Tasks

After sending an email and before diving into your next task—just close your eyes for one minute and breathe.
I often open the Gassho app and simply listen to the sound of a bell. That brief pause resets my mind.

● During a Walk

The feel of your feet touching the ground. The breeze brushing past. The sound of leaves rustling.
When walking becomes not just “getting somewhere,” but a sensory experience—you’ll meet a whole new kind of peace.

How to Weave “Tiny Meditation” into Daily Life

● The Right Time Is “Whenever You Notice”

You don’t need to do mindfulness meditation at the same time or place every day.
In fact, the best moment is when you notice yourself becoming rushed or distracted. That’s the cue.

● Have Your Own “Switch”

For me, that switch is the Gassho app. The soothing sounds and voices help bring me back to the present.
It doesn’t create meditation time—it reminds me to come home to awareness.
Even making tea becomes meditation if I listen to a 1-minute audio while noticing the steam and scent.

● Don’t Try to “Do It Right”

At first, I worried: “Am I doing it properly?”
Now, I accept that sometimes I can feel the moment—and sometimes I can’t.
What matters most is simply remembering: “I am here, right now.”

Conclusion: Mindfulness Lives in Fleeting Moments

Mindfulness doesn’t require sacred rituals or expensive tools.
You don’t need a quiet mountain retreat.

All it takes is noticing this moment, and gently pausing to honor it.
That’s enough to turn your kitchen, your desk, even a train station platform into a sacred space for meditation.

Because it needs no time or place, mindfulness becomes part of your life.
And as I continue nurturing that awareness, another theme is beginning to emerge:

Compassion for myself.

When I make a mistake. When I feel down. When my heart feels uneasy.
At times like that, I’m learning that being mindful—and more importantly, being kind to myself—is what I need most.

In my next blog, I’ll share more about how I discovered this “mindful self-compassion.”