Mindfulness: A Journey of Self-Awareness and Intentional Living

Mindfulness has been a non-linear journey for me,  helping to simplify my life and cultivate greater intentionality. It’s not about always being “love and light,” but about recognizing what truly guides me—whether it’s love, peace, or fear. This practice has helped me become more present and grateful, and I’m now compelled to share how it can transform your life too.

Mindfulness doesn’t promise constant calm or perfection. Instead, it offers a tool for self-awareness, helping us monitor and adjust our behavior and beliefs. This shift creates healthier relationships, as we become more attuned to ourselves and others. Mindfulness encourages us to reflect on what we consume—whether it’s media, food, or the people around us—all of which shape who we are. By being intentional with our choices, we align our decisions with our values, leading to better emotional energy and more meaningful connections.

Meditation has been particularly valuable in this process, deepening my self-reflection and acceptance of my thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. It’s helped bring clarity and emotional balance, making it easier to navigate life’s challenges with a grounded perspective.

Through mindfulness, we learn that negative emotions are temporary, not permanent. This awareness allows us to detach from emotions, seeing them as transient ripples rather than fixed states. As we grow in mindfulness, we begin to understand that our sense of self is fluid, which makes it easier to respond to life’s ups and downs with wisdom and grace.

In today’s digital age, mindfulness also helps us recognize the false realities we create and reminds us to be proactive with our choices. The decisions we make today shape our future, and mindfulness provides the space to pause, reflect, and act thoughtfully. This practice fosters accountability and leads to a more fulfilling and responsible life.

Ultimately, mindfulness and intentional living are powerful tools for personal growth. By becoming aware of our thoughts, behaviors, and emotional energy, we can align our lives more closely with our values, creating a life that’s more fulfilling and connected to others.

Mindfulness also teaches us to honor others’ unique experiences and journeys. Understanding that each person’s perception is shaped by their path fosters empathy and deepens our connections.

Umi

Safe Spaces

Carving Out Safe Spaces In Interpersonal Relations

I’ve been reflecting on how interpersonal relationships deeply influence our ability to impact our overall well-being.

The people we surround ourselves with—whether friends, family, or colleagues—have the power to either uplift and expand us, or drain our energy. 

Over time, we learn that it’s often necessary to share some of our energy with others especially in spaces like work or within close-knit relationships. 

However, it’s crucial to be mindful of how we feel after spending time with certain people. 

Are we energised, at peace, and feel aligned? Or do we feel drained, anxious, or out of balance? 

This is where discernment comes in being aware of our emotional and energetic responses to interactions is key to protecting our wellbeing and knowing when to set boundaries or adjust our energy investment. 

Awareness of how relationships impact us, and trusting our inner sense of balance, is vital for cultivating healthy, supportive connections.

The energy and emotional tone of our interactions are powerful indicators of whether a relationship or group is healthy for us.

If you consistently feel nervous, on edge, or like you have to perform in a relationship, or if you leave interactions feeling depleted rather than uplifted, it may not be a safe or healthy space for you. While not every encounter will be perfect, it shouldn't consistently drain your energy. 

Another way to gauge the safety of a relationship is by considering how you feel in different settings—whether alone, in a group, or in various situations. 

Healthy relationships maintain boundaries, respect privacy, and allow you to feel supported and at ease. Ultimately, relationships should nurture and empower, not deplete or cause anxiety.

Healthy relationships should be built on mutual respect, where both people can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment or the need to "shapeshift." 

Emotional labor should be balanced—both partners should contribute support and empathy, not just actions. 

Healthy relationships are about growth and celebration, not competition or undermining each other. If one person feels drained, unsupported, or put down, it’s a sign that the relationship may need adjustment to foster balance and respect.

In healthy relationships, authenticity, mutual respect, and support are key. If you’re constantly changing to please someone, it’s either because they’re not accepting you as you are or you’re not comfortable being yourself. 

Emotional labor must be balanced, with both parties sharing the load. It’s natural for one person to go through struggles while the other is thriving, but the key is supporting each other during those times. If someone only reaches out when they need something, it’s important to address the imbalance or reassess how much energy you invest in the relationship.

Healthy relationships, whether romantic or not, require mutual respect, trust, and the protection of privacy. If your boundaries are respected, it shows that your essence is valued. Sharing intimate details should come with the expectation of confidentiality. If someone oversteps that boundary, it’s a sign that trust has been broken. 

Maintaining a close circle of people who support and respect you, and whom you can also support, is essential for personal growth and wellness. Ultimately, respect, unconditional love, and balance are the foundation of thriving, meaningful relationships.

Asking if your relationships feel safe isn't enough, we must ask ourselves if we too, make others feel safe.

Love and Light always,

Umi.

Versions

In a moment of profound self-reflection, honouring the different versions of myself that have shaped who I am today.

Every choice I’ve made,  every decision that felt uncertain at the time, has contributed to the wisdom I carry now.

I’ve journeyed through many phases of growth, each one adding depth and understanding to my identity. 

In some ways, I’ve been many people in one lifetime—and that’s something I'm proud of. Each version of me, whether it was a version of hope, doubt, strength, or transformation, has served a purpose. And now, looking back, I can see how each part of my story was necessary for the person I am becoming.

I honour that and in doing so, I honor my capacity to evolve. It’s a reminder that I’m never stuck—just always in the process of becoming, continuously shedding layers and uncovering new possibilities. 

I stand as a testament to my own resilience and growth, fully embracing both my past and my future.

While reflecting with gratitude on my journey, acknowledging how past versions of myself made choices based on the knowledge I had, and how I’m now making decisions with the wisdom I’ve gained. 

I smile as I revisit my blog which started 15 years ago during a restless night as a teenager. While reading my old posts, I briefly felt the urge to perfect them but chose to leave them as they are, recognizing they reflect a different version of me. 

This moment symbolizes my gradual shift away from perfectionism, a trait I’ve held for much of my life. I’m learning to embrace imperfection, knowing that my future self will be shaped by the decisions I make now, and that each version of me, past and present, is a valuable part of my journey.

Coming back to this blog makes me realize my soul has always been on this journey, guiding me in ways that defy logic or reason. Allowing myself to trust the path even when it didn’t make sense at the time. Trusting myself and my inner wisdom always returning to self.

Reading these past posts across different stages of my life—teenager, 20s, and now my 30s—has shown me just how much I’ve grown. It’s not just the evolution of my thoughts or experiences, but the *becoming* of who I truly am. Each version of me shedding what no longer serves, creating space for a more authentic, expansive version of myself. Each chapter better than the last, and more aligned with the real me. That’s something I’m truly proud of, regardless of the obstacles.

This blog reminds me of the emotional landscape of my journey. There’s so much richness in keeping this blog going, as it holds the essence of who I’ve been and continues to witness who I’m becoming. It’s a living archive of my soul’s growth, and the decision to keep posting here is a way to honor the continuity of my evolution.

It’s a reminder that, even in moments of change, there’s something deeply grounding about staying connected to my roots. This blog isn’t just a collection of past thoughts—it’s a place where I return to myself again and again, finding peace in the ongoing process of becoming.

I reflect on my journey with deep acceptance, feeling no regrets about the choices I’ve made. I walk my path with joy, authenticity, and gratitude for everyone and everything that has shaped my growth, whether through pleasant or challenging experiences. 

I stay rooted and maintain an unshakable belief in myself. Embracing the process of release, relearning, and unlearning, I continue to move forward with grace, undeterred by anything that comes my way.

I lovingly remind anyone reading this to stay rooted and authentic to self as you evolve and to release what no longer serves, to unlearn what limits you, and to trust in the unshakable belief in yourself. 

To walk in integrity, strength and grace.To be unapologetically YOU.

Love and Light always,

Umi.

Rebirth

I guess you reach a certain stage in life when you ask yourself if you lived or existed. I started my journey exactly 2 years ago. I had that serious conversation with my soul. I had my dream Job, amazing friends, and a loving family. But something was missing. It took about 3 weeks of isolation to figure out what it was. I settled. I was comfortable. I was content. I've always had grand dreams & goals. But I somehow allowed myself to settle. I told myself I wanted an honest, genuine relationship with myself. I truly wanted to connect with my mind, body & soul. I now understand those are three different things. I didn't want to lie. I didn't want to tolerate or entertain any form of negativity ever again.I just wanted love & light. To be happy. I craved that. I lost interest in people and things that added no form of growth in my life. But I also remembered that even though I might not need them. They might need me. I did not cut anyone off. I just merely built a little wall enough to say Hi & to send love & kindness. Don't get me wrong. I was happy. I'm always happy. I just needed some form of connection with myself. I lost me somewhere along the way. I actually missed myself. I did things that made my soul smile. I dedicated as much as I could to evolving my mind and thoughts towards positive thoughts. Most importantly I put in energy towards gratitude. Gratitude to my creator, to where I was, where I am and where I'm headed. I got so excited. I'm still excited about my transformation. Let me clarify something, I never changed. I just evolved. And everyday I try to be a better version of myself. Yoga & meditation helped me but it was mostly determination & a strong desire to grow. My ultimate goal? To live, love, laugh, Pray. It's been a bumpy ride. But one that is worthy. That's why I call my journey The Rebirth. Rebirth of intentions & goals I tucked away, because well, Life happened. It's never too late to reconnect with your soul.

Runaway Blogger

Hello :) When I put a smiley face it means I actually just smiled. I smile a lot :) Haven't blogged in forever. Shame on me. In my defense I've been quite lazy. I started writing a book and then life happened. I'm shocked anyone actually reads what I write. The page view keeps rising. I mean with Instagram & Twitter who has time to read. But yeah, it's a new year. Love it. I love change. Positive change that is. I love growing & life experiences. I love the woman I'm becoming and the woman I eventually will be. Ugh. I love the uncertain. The magic of not knowing. But believing that life's journey will be nothing but magnificent. Because it is. I happen to see the world filled with rainbows and butterflies. Yeah, Yeah, I'm aware of the darkness that looms over us. The evil & suffering. But guess what? I chose to focus my energy on the positive and pray for love and light. Light is stronger than darkness. I'm really bad at saying exactly what's on my mind. I'm actually horrible. Being quiet works best for me. I can talk about everything but myself. I mean why focus on me when there's so much to talk about. But yea, I'm sortta gonna share a bit. Only because I feel there's a bit of my experiences that a few can relate with. But that would be tomorrow. I'm really sleepy and I'm stuck at work-yes night shift. Which I love by the way. I think i might be a workaholic. But that's a story for another day. Geez, I feel I've shared so much already and I don't want to freak out. So I'm just gonna click publish now. May love and light be a part of you all :)

Today

Smile today. Not because you have to but because you are love and light.
Love today. Because others are love and light but might be tainted with shadows. Love them and see through a streak of light they have.
Give today. Not because you have so much to part with but because someone out there just needs to feel an act of kindness.
Forgive today. For this is your true bliss and not for anyone. Forgiveness means you accept a situation and are willing to look past it. Do this for yourself.
Appreciate today. We all have our busy days. And nobody is too busy to write or call for a few seconds. Appreciate where you are. Reflect on the past and smile because you are a moving light filled with love. And today you will give because you want someone to feel good so that they can also forgive some situations and let them appreciate themselves :)

03/23/2013

Love and be loved they say
Love and be happy
I've sampled forms & shades of love
And right here right now I'm as happy as I could ever be.
Love and you can progress
Can love sit in my silence I ask?
Can love be a friend and lover as well
Or I just gotta choose one?
Does love come with serenity
Or I gotta choose days to be happy?
Love will cherish and protect you they say.
But I cherish & protect me
Love is beautiful they say
And I agree because my heart might wander around for a while before it returns back to me