Have you ever had an interaction with someone and thought to yourself, “Wow, that felt different this time. They seem nice.”

It’s likely that your interaction was different because YOU are different. You are not the same person that you were yesterday, last week, or last year. You are constantly changing. In fact, change is the only thing that is predictable and constant.

Your experience depends on your state of mind. Are you distracted or present in the moment? It is difficult to stay present when our electronic devices are constantly calling our attention and we are juggling work, finances, children, and partners.

The word mindfulness seems to be one of those buzz words we hear all of the time. There are apps for mindfulness, books on mindfulness, and mindfulness practices. Everyone is talking about bringing mindfulness into their lives. What does it mean to be mindful? Mindfulness is defined differently by different people. I believe mindfulness means being fully present in the moment. Why is this so important, you may ask? The present moment is the only moment we have. Do you really want to miss this moment with your partner, child, or friend? Being mindful means being present and focused. It means being aware of all of our senses, the sights, sounds, smells, and tactile sensations. It means perceiving the situation, person, or place clearly. When we are present, we are more likely to respond than to react.

According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of “Full Catastrophe Living,” the healing power of mindfulness takes more than following a recipe of instructions. According to Kabat-Zinn, “It’s important to bring your whole being into the process of mindfulness.” The attitude with which you undertake the practice of paying attention and being in the present is important.” Kabat-Zinn says, “Your attitude is the soil in which you will be cultivating your ability to calm your mind and to relax your body, to concentrate and to see more clearly. If your attitudinal soil is depleted, explains Kabat-Zinn, it is difficult to develop relaxation and calm with any consistency.” In learning any new skill, practice and consistency are important.

Developing mindful awareness requires a new way of thinking and being. I invite you to let go of trying to control things or make them go your way. We often take routine experiences and familiar people for granted and get stuck in old beliefs or ways of thinking or being. Mindful awareness only requires us to pay attention and notice things as they are.

I often remind my yoga students to bring beginners mind to their yoga practice. We tend to take routine yoga postures like downward facing dog or cat-cow for granted. We may notice ourselves holding onto old beliefs about our body, our yoga teacher, or particular postures. Beginners mind invites us to let go of any judgments or preconceived notions and experience whatever we are engaged in as if for the very first time. I invite you to bring beginners mind to your interpersonal relationships and activities, creating opportunities to be free of expectations based on previous experiences.

As we approach the new year, it’s a great time to experiment with beginner’s mind. As you engage a familiar person, pause and take a step back. Mindfully, let go of any preconceived notions or judgments you may have. As Kabat-Zinn asks, “Are you seeing this person as they really are, or are you seeing the reflection of your own thoughts and feelings about this person? Are you seeing this person with fresh eyes? Try this with your children, pet, spouse, friends, and coworkers.” Invite beginners mind as you walk down a familiar street or drive to work or to something you are eating or drinking.

I invite you to take this challenge. Notice how you feel. Are you more present in the moment? Do you feel more connected to yourself and the world around you?

Remember, mindful awareness is the first step to healing and transformation.