By Retha Boone-Fye

In a world that constantly demands our attention, mindfulness is the ultimate power move. It’s more than a wellness trend—it’s an ancient practice of awareness, rooted in many traditions, including those from the African diaspora. Whether you’re dealing with workplace stress, family responsibilities, or the relentless scroll of social media, mindfulness helps you take control of your time, energy, and peace of mind. And let’s be real—our people have been mastering mindfulness long before it became a hashtag.

At its core, mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, without judgment. Sounds simple, right? But with distractions coming from every direction, it takes practice. Think of it like strengthening a muscle, you don’t get abs overnight, and you won’t master mindfulness in a day. It starts with small habits, like breathing deeply before responding to a stressful situation or savoring the taste of your morning tea instead of rushing through it.

Historically, mindfulness has deep connections to African and African American traditions. From the rhythmic repetition of spirituals to the focused movement in dance, our ancestors embodied mindfulness naturally. Even in struggle, they found ways to be present, intentional, and deeply connected to the moment. Today, we can reclaim that same wisdom, not just as self-care but as resistance. A clear mind is a revolutionary act in a world that profits from our stress.

The beauty of mindfulness is that it meets you where you are. You don’t need an expensive retreat or incense-filled yoga studio to tap into it. It can be as simple as pausing before a big decision, checking in with your emotions, or being fully engaged in a conversation without checking your phone. It’s about reclaiming your time and attention, making every moment meaningful instead of letting life rush past in a blur.

For Black creatives, professionals, and everyday hustlers, mindfulness can be a game-changer. It helps combat burnout, enhances focus, and deepens connections with the people who matter most. And if you’re thinking, “I don’t have time for that,” consider this: even a two-minute mindful breathing exercise can reset your entire mood. The more you practice, the more power you reclaim over your mind, body, and spirit.

So where do you start? Try setting a mindfulness cue—a daily reminder to check in with yourself. Maybe it’s when you sip your morning coffee, hear your favorite song, or step outside for fresh air. Use that moment to take a deep breath, notice your surroundings, and just be. Over time, these small acts of mindfulness add up, creating a sense of balance that carries through your day.

And this is just the beginning. Over the next few installments, we’ll explore powerful ways to weave mindfulness into your routine—from movement-based practices like yoga and dance to using affirmations and visualization to shift your mindset. Whether you want to boost your creativity, improve your relationships, or simply find more peace in your day, mindfulness has something for you. So, stay tuned, stay present, and get ready to tap into the power of your mind like never before.

Retha Boone-Fye is CEO of “Healing Leaf International, LLC/dba “Mindfulness Matters” and believes that through mindfulness and nature-based medicinal products, we can create a ” Natural and Wholistic space to heal.”  She is a certified mindfulness facilitator and has held “Spa for the Soul ™ ” retreats and conducted mindfulness workshops both locally and internationally.  She can be reached at rethaboone@comcast.net.