When I started learning yoga about 15 years ago and the word mindfulness became a part of my vocabulary, I couldn't quite understand what exactly this word meant. I often tend to overanalyze ideas, and I think this word was one of those ideas I overanalyzed.

Being mindful asks us to be aware of the present moment.  

There are many ways in which we can be mindful. We can be mindful of our bodies and breath, our words, thoughts, feelings, actions, and the people around us.

Mindfulness practices encourage us to slow down and notice what we can be directly aware of at any given moment. Mindfulness is loving all the details of our lives, and awareness is the natural thing that happens: life begins to open up, and you realize that you're always standing at the center of the world.
— Pema Chodron, Buddhist teacher and author

The real miracle is not to fly or walk on fire. The real miracle is to walk on the Earth, and you can perform that miracle at any time. Just bring your mind home to your body, become alive, and perform the miracle of walking on Earth.
— Thích Nhất Hạnh, Buddhist monk and writer

These 2 quotes put the word mindfulness into perspective for me.  They are a reminder that it doesn't need to be mountain work, but small moments of connection. 

This month let's do our best to find mindful moments as we buy gifts, wrap gifts, gather with friends and family, and care for ourselves. 

Memories and mindful moments are our true gifts.