As a content strategist I consume a lot of content. For me, it’s a way to learn what’s trending, how companies engage with their audiences, and why they choose certain campaigns over others.

But recently, I found myself feeling like I was on the brink of information overload (great podcast on it here). I realized that I was actually consuming more than I was creating. So, when I came across Headspace in a stack at the library I knew it was perfect timing (but yes, consuming more content in the process).

so, what’s it all about?

Prior to reading this book I had heard about Headspace just a tad, but didn’t really understand the philosophy behind it. It was only after reading the book that I came to understand that it is more than an app, but a lifestyle and mindset that author, Andi Puddicombe, is trying to convey. 

“Meditation isn’t about becoming a different person, a new person, or even a better person. It’s about training in awareness and understanding how and why you think and feel the way you do, and getting a healthy sense of perspective in the process.”

— Andi Puddicombe

Since I really appreciated how the book introduced different perspectives of mindfulness in each of its 7 sections, below is what you will find in each. It is structured as follows—

introduction

The introduction focuses on the author’s own experiences that led him to meditation as well as what he learned at his monasteries.

approach

The approach chapter talks about the emotion and reasoning behind meditation and why many see benefits from doing it (of course, if done consistently).

practice

This next chapter focuses on the practice itself which allows you to see the different ways meditation is taught and learned.

integration

The integration part proves to be the most relatable since it discusses the many ways you can integrate meditation into your day-to-day life—while eating, walking, or even brushing your teeth.

Practicalities

The practicalities section reveals the details you should be aware of when beginning the meditation journey such as what time of day you do it, where you do it, and how long you do it for.

ten suggestions for living more mindfully

Ten suggestions for living more mindfully discusses exactly that—what are the top ways to integrate mindfulness to truly reap its various benefits daily?

tales from the clinic

The tales from the clinic is intriguing because it brings to light the many reasons why people seek mindfulness in their lives—for anxiety, for anger, and for just general well-being.

As a whole, I feel as if this book really pinpointed what many people lack in their lives—the feeling of focus and fulfillment. Overcoming hard times and appreciating the good times comes with the help of acknowledgement and peace. That’s not to say that you will feel at peace after doing it 1 day or everyday you practice mindfulness with meditation, but it does make you aware and understand what you need in certain scenarios to reach tranquility.

want some headspace?

If you feel like you could benefit from a guided practice like Headspace, go ahead and give it a try for 10 days for free here.