Meditation and Mindfulness: Manifesting Your New Era

Let’s be real, we’ve all seen it. That phrase: “meditation and mindfulness.” It pops up on every self-help podcast, wellness blog, and TikTok reels promising inner peace, good vibes, and a magical way to stop spiraling when your brain is doing the absolute most. But what does it actually mean to be mindful when your to-do list is screaming louder than your morning alarm?

Lately, I’ve been feeling pulled toward slowing down and finding a softer way to be, and mindfulness has been the anchor I didn’t know I needed. It’s not always picture-perfect, and it’s definitely not about clearing your mind completely (spoiler: that’s not a thing), but it’s become my favourite tool for gently coming back to myself when life gets loud.

So, if you’re curious about what mindfulness and meditation actually look like in real life - and how I pair it with daily affirmations to boost my mood and mindset - keep reading. This post is for you, especially if your brain tends to run 100 mph even before your first coffee.

What Even Is Mindfulness?

Let’s strip away the wellness jargon for a second.

Mindfulness, at its core, is simply the act of paying attention… on purpose, to the present moment, without judgement. It’s noticing what’s happening in your mind and body, but without rushing to fix it or overthink it. It’s slowing down enough to feel your thoughts instead of drowning in them.

Meditation is one of the most common ways to practice mindfulness, whether that’s through breathwork, body scans, guided meditations, or just sitting quietly with yourself for a few minutes. But mindfulness can also be woven into everyday life: brushing your teeth without checking your phone, feeling the sun on your skin, noticing how your coffee tastes.

Basically, it’s about being where your feet are.

---

Why I Started Meditating (And How I Keep It Real)

For me, meditation wasn’t something I naturally gravitated toward. Honestly, the idea of sitting still with my own thoughts used to sound… terrifying. But anxiety has a way of making you try things you never thought you’d need. I started with 2-minute breathing exercises during stressful moments and slowly built up from there.

Now, on days when my mind feels cluttered or my mood dips low, I know I have a tool that brings me back to myself, even if just for a few moments. That reset? It matters.

My favourite ways to meditate?

• A 5–10 minute guided meditation on YouTube (I love ones that feel more like pep talks than spiritual lectures)

• Breathing in for 4 counts, holding for 4, exhaling for 6

• Putting on calming music and focusing only on the rhythm of my breath

  
  

Even science backs it: regular mindfulness practice helps lower cortisol (that pesky stress hormone), improve sleep, and increase feelings of calm and focus. And trust me, when I finally felt that shift, I knew this wasn’t just another wellness trend.

---

Creating a Mindful Moment (Without Overcomplicating It)

Mindfulness doesn’t have to mean hour-long silent retreats or turning into a serene monk overnight. Some days, mindfulness is sipping a cup of tea without multitasking. Other days, it’s journaling through the mess in my head. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being present.

Here are a few ways I sneak mindfulness into my day:

• Lighting a candle before journaling or working

• Taking 3 deep breaths when I feel my shoulders tense up

• Stretching or walking slowly without my phone

• Doing one thing at a time (yes, even scrolling mindfully!)

  
  

We often underestimate the power of small rituals. But for me, it’s those little pauses, the intentional breaths, the quiet minutes, that remind me I can handle whatever the day brings.

Why I Swear By Daily Affirmations (Even When I Don’t Believe Them)

Okay, let’s talk about affirmations.

Yes, they might sound cheesy. But also? They’ve completely changed how I talk to myself. Which, in turn, changes everything else.

I started small, just a few phrases scribbled in my journal or whispered in the mirror when I didn’t feel my best. Over time, I noticed something shift. It wasn’t about pretending everything was perfect. It was about giving myself permission to believe in my own strength, even on the hard days.

Here are a few of my go-to affirmations:

• “I am capable of achieving my goals.”

• “I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.”

• “I am enough exactly as I am.”

• “I deserve to feel calm and happy.”

• “Today, I’m going to show up for myself — that’s enough.”

  
  

I keep them in my journal, on sticky notes around my mirror, and sometimes even as my phone wallpaper. It’s like building a library of self-love to borrow from when my confidence takes a hit.

---

How I Pair Mindfulness + Affirmations

The real magic for me happens when I combine mindfulness with affirmations.

Here’s my simple daily routine (feel free to steal it!):

1. Morning Reset (5–10 mins): I sit quietly, close my eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Then I repeat 2–3 affirmations out loud or in my head.

2. Journaling Moment: I write down how I’m feeling and one positive thought or goal for the day.

3. Mini Mindful Check-ins: During the day, I try to pause, breathe, and come back to one affirmation, especially if things start to feel heavy or hectic.

   
   

You don’t need to carve out an hour for this. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just start with one mindful breath. One kind thought. One gentle reminder.

---

You Deserve a Pause

We live in a world that tells us to do more, move faster, hustle harder. But maybe you’re here reading this because your soul is craving softness instead. Rest. Slowness. Presence.

Mindfulness and affirmations aren’t about fixing yourself. They’re about meeting yourself. Fully. Lovingly. And letting that be enough.

So today, give yourself the gift of five quiet minutes. Let your thoughts flow, your breath slow, and your mind rest. Whisper something kind to yourself, even if it feels awkward at first.

And remember: you’re already worthy. You’ve got this.

---

Let’s Connect

I’d love to know what affirmations help you feel more grounded and calm? Drop them in the comments or tag me on Pinterest or Instagram with your favourites. Let’s build each other up, one mindful moment at a time.

Sending soft energy your way,

Movi x