This is a question I get asked a lot, especially by people who are new to mindfulness and meditation.
In the past, my answer was:
“Not at the beginning, and not now either. I don’t think daily practice should be a goal. Once you turn it into a goal, it’s no longer very ‘mindful’.”
That answer was honest, but it only reflected my perspective at the time. Looking back now, I believe what’s more valuable to share is the journey I’ve been on over these past five years of mindfulness and meditation practice.
During these five years, my practice has gone through phases—some consistent, some interrupted. Sometimes I practiced daily, sometimes a few times a week, and other times only once or twice a month. But I’ve noticed that regardless of the frequency or form, the practice continued to nourish my life in subtle but meaningful ways.
Along the way, my understanding of mindfulness has deepened, often sparked by new insights and life changes. The journey has never been linear, and I think most practitioners would say the same. Everyone comes to mindfulness for different reasons, and their understanding evolves with time. Some may start with enthusiasm and daily practice, only to later realize that mindfulness isn’t quite what they thought. Others may begin with skepticism and slowly discover how transformative it can be, then find their own unique path of exploration.
While it’s true that mindfulness grows through regular practice, it’s important not to turn meditation into a KPI. That would miss the essence of mindfulness, which is grounded in non-striving.
It helps to know that mindfulness is cultivated through practice—and also to understand your own nature. You may not be someone who thrives on turning meaningful things into rigid tasks. I’ve been there myself: at one point, I was so fixated on daily practice goals that I began to fear meditation. I feared I wouldn’t be able to meet my own standards, feared becoming a failure in my own eyes. These were important learning moments on the path. Again and again, I had to relearn, revisit, and adjust my understanding.
There are many types of practice: formal and informal. You don’t always need to sit in meditation to nurture mindfulness. With a mindful attitude, you can integrate practice into daily life. When conditions allow, return to the present moment and experience it fully.
For example, while waiting in line, we can notice feelings of impatience or boredom arise. We observe them, accept them, and let them pass. Isn’t that also a powerful practice?
If we can live with this kind of intention—not only relying on formal sessions but also bringing mindfulness into our everyday activities—then we’re touching the true essence of practice.
Mindfulness is about living in the world, experiencing each moment, exploring where mindfulness helps and where its edges lie. It’s also about discovering the joy, love, and peace it can bring. Test it for yourself. Be curious. Be kind.
So to sum it up:
“I don’t meditate every day, but I try to live every day with awareness. Meditation shouldn’t become a task to complete—it’s an invitation to return to the present. Mindfulness is a relationship, a journey of exploration and return. Our way of practicing may change over time, but as long as we’re willing to return to this moment, we are practicing.”
