As someone who has practiced mindfulness and meditation for years, I’ve found that inspirational quotes can be powerful tools to refocus the mind and reinvigorate one’s practice.
In this post, I’ll share 17 calming quotes on mindfulness and meditation that have resonated with me, along with my personal reflections on each.
These words of wisdom come from spiritual leaders, mindfulness experts and philosophers, offering diverse perspectives on the art of being present.
Here we go.
1. “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha
This quote from Buddha encapsulates the essence of mindfulness.
It reminds me that true peace comes from fully engaging with the here and now, rather than getting lost in regrets about the past or anxieties about the future.
Whenever I find my mind wandering, I return to these words to anchor myself in the present.
2. “Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).” – James Baraz
Baraz beautifully captures the non-judgmental awareness that is central to mindfulness practice.
This quote reminds me to accept each moment as it is, without trying to change or cling to it.
It’s a powerful reminder that both pleasant and unpleasant experiences are temporary, encouraging a more balanced approach to life’s ups and downs.
2. “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Thich Nhat Hanh‘s words resonate deeply with me. When I’m overwhelmed by emotions, focusing on my breath helps me find stability.
This quote reminds me that feelings are transient, like clouds and that I can always return to my breath as a point of calm amidst life’s storms.
4. “Brilliant things happen in calm minds. Be calm. You’re brilliant.” – Headspace
I love the simplicity and encouragement in this quote from Headspace.
It reminds me that a calm mind is not just peaceful, but also a fertile ground for creativity and insight.
When I’m feeling stressed or scattered, these words inspire me to take a moment to breathe and find my center.
5. “To know yourself is to be confident. To be confident is to fearlessly express your potential.” – Andy Puddicombe
As the co-founder of Headspace Andy Puddicombe offers a powerful perspective on self-awareness.
This quote motivates me to deepen my mindfulness practice as a path to self-discovery and confidence.
It reminds me that true confidence comes from within, not from external validation.
6. “Remember the blue sky. It may at times be obscured by clouds, but it is always there.” – Andy Puddicombe
This metaphor beautifully illustrates the unchanging nature of our inner peace.
Just as the blue sky is always present behind the clouds, our innate calmness and clarity are always there, even when obscured by thoughts and emotions.
I find this image particularly comforting during challenging times.
7. “Meditation means letting go of our baggage, letting go of all the pre-rehearsed stories and inner-dialogue that we’ve grown so attached to.” – Andy Puddicombe
I appreciate how this quote frames meditation as a process of letting go.
It reminds me that much of my mental clutter consists of old patterns and narratives that no longer serve me.
When I meditate, I visualize releasing these outdated stories, creating space for new insights and experiences.
8. “Mindfulness is about being fully awake in our lives. It is about perceiving the exquisite vividness of each moment.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
Kabat-Zinn’s words inspire me to approach each moment with fresh eyes and full attention.
This quote reminds me that mindfulness isn’t just about relaxation, but about fully engaging with life in all its richness and complexity.
It encourages me to savor the small details I might otherwise overlook.
9. “In the end, just three things matter: How well we have lived. How well we have loved. How well we have learned to let go.” – Jack Kornfield
This profound quote from Jack Kornfield puts life into perspective for me.
It reminds me to focus on what truly matters: living authentically, loving deeply and practicing non-attachment.
When I’m caught up in daily stresses, these words help me realign with my core values.
10. “If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.” – Amit Ray
Amit Ray’s advice is simple yet powerful.
When anxiety creeps in, I return to this quote as a reminder to ground myself in the present moment and in my breath.
It’s a practical tool for managing stress and finding peace in daily life.
11. “The mind is like water. When it is turbulent it’s difficult to see. When it’s calm, everything becomes clear.” – Prasad Mahes
I find this analogy particularly helpful in understanding the benefits of a calm mind.
Just as still water reflects clearly, a quiet mind allows for clearer perception and decision-making.
This quote motivates me to cultivate mental calmness through regular meditation practice.
12. “Awareness is like the sun. When it shines on things, they are transformed.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
This beautiful metaphor from Thich Nhat Hanh illustrates the transformative power of mindful awareness.
It reminds me that simply bringing conscious attention to different aspects of my life can lead to profound changes.
This quote inspires me to approach challenges with curiosity and openness.
13. “It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” – Germany Kent
Kent’s observation on gratitude resonates deeply with me.
I’ve found that cultivating gratitude through mindfulness has significantly shifted my perspective on life.
This quote reminds me to regularly practice gratitude as part of my mindfulness routine.
14. “Be happy in the moment. That is enough.” – Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa’s simple yet profound words remind me that happiness is not a future goal, but something available in each moment.
This quote encourages me to find joy in the present, rather than always chasing after future achievements or experiences.
15. “Mindfulness is deliberately paying full attention to what is happening around you– in your body, heart and mind. Mindfulness is awareness without criticism or judgment.” – Jan Chozen Bays
I appreciate how this quote emphasizes the non-judgmental aspect of mindfulness.
It reminds me to observe my thoughts, feelings and surroundings without labeling them as good or bad.
This approach has helped me develop greater self-compassion and acceptance.
16. “There is something wonderfully bold and liberating about saying yes to our entire imperfect and messy life.” – Tara Brach
Brach’s words celebrate the beauty of embracing life in all its complexity.
This quote inspires me to practice radical acceptance, acknowledging and welcoming all aspects of my experience, even the challenging ones.
It’s a reminder that true freedom comes from accepting reality as it is.
17. “For what it’s worth, it’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you’re proud of and if you find you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
While not explicitly about mindfulness, I find this quote from Fitzgerald deeply relevant to the practice.
It reminds me that mindfulness and meditation are tools for self-discovery and personal growth.
It encourages me to regularly check in with myself and ensure I’m living in alignment with my values.
These 17 quotes on mindfulness and meditation have been guiding lights in my personal practice.
They remind me of the power of presence, the importance of self-awareness and the transformative potential of mindfulness.
I hope they inspire and support you on your own journey of mindful living.
