Reframing the Mind: Here and Now

HERE AND NOW

Living in the present moment is the only way to tame the mind. For the mind throws us into turmoil, thinking of the past and worrying about the future. By noticing our breath, the inner sensations of the body, the light around us, the ground beneath our feet, we begin to find ourselves in the here and now. The question, "what if" ceases to plague our days, and acceptance begins to flower.

By Priscilla Phillips

Reading Priscilla Phillips’ Here and Now really struck me because of how simply and powerfully it captures mindfulness. What stood out most to me was the way she frames the present moment as a kind of antidote to being pulled into the past or the future. I could relate to how easily the mind gets caught up in regrets or “what ifs,” and it felt grounding to be reminded that the solution is often simple, just reconnecting with our breath, our body, and what’s around us.

Using sensory cues such as light, breath, and touch as anchors can make mindfulness feel less abstract and more tangible. Thinking about designing for relaxation in daily life, especially for parents, needs to be simple and accessible. In the middle of a busy day, a parent doesn't always have the time or the patience, and neither does their child. My goal is to turn those overwhelming moments in the car a space for regrounding, ensuring the transition from one chaotic task to the next is more manageable. 

References.

Grammarly. (n.d.). https://app.grammarly.com/

Phillips, P. (2025, February 4). Weaving Stories Into the Tapestry of Life. Wind Sand Stars. https://windsandstarsblog.com/category/writing/