Mindfulness Quotes From Poets

1. bell hooks

“Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.” – bell hooks

Gloria Jean Watkins is best known by her pen name, bell hooks. She is an American author, professor, feminist, and social activist. As she says here, when we can be still and sit alone with ourselves in the present, we strengthen our relationship with others, too.

2. Morgan Harper Nichols

“Living in the moment is learning how to live between the big moments. It is learning how to make the most of the in-betweens and having the audacity to make those moments just as exciting.” – Morgan Harper Nichols

Morgan Harper Nichols is a young writer most widely known as an American Christian musician and songwriter. Finding joy and gratitude in the micro-moments of life improves your overall sense of well-being.

3. Nayyirah Waheed

“If the ocean can calm itself, so can you. We are both salt water mixed with air.” – Nayyirah Waheed

Nayyirah Waheed is a reclusive poet, so not too much is known about her life. However, she shares much of her poetry through her social media accounts. 

One of the best ways to calm yourself is through breathwork techniques. Certain breathwork techniques, like 4-7-8 breathing, will activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which can reduce your heart rate and help your mind and body calm down.

4. Ocean Vuong

“The most beautiful part of your body is where it’s headed. & remember, loneliness is still time spent with the world.” – Ocean Vuong

Ocean Vuong is a Vietnamese American poet, essayist, and novelist who has been recognized and awarded for his writing. The beauty in loneliness can be found in the space that it creates for aligned potential. Sit in that while content, and thrive. 

Mindfulness Quotes from Authors

These mindfulness quotes from notable authors will brighten your day. 

5. Jedidiah Jenkins

“Who we believe ourselves to be is who we become.” – Jedidiah Jenkins

Jedidiah Jenkins is an American author who is best known for his book Like Streams to the Ocean. He writes about difficult topics to help others address them, like death, friendship, love, ego, and more. 

We are in charge of our own destinies–we can recognize and take advantage of that power through practices like meditation. If you are looking to improve your outlook on yourself, you could greatly benefit from mantra meditation. 

6. Pema Chodron

“Rejoicing in the good fortune of others is a practice that can help us when we feel emotionally shut down and unable to connect with others. Rejoicing generates goodwill.” – Pema Chodron

Pema Chodron is a beloved Buddhist teacher, author, nun, and mother who shares messages of practicing peace during times of turbulence. This quote is a reminder that we can improve our own happiness by celebrating and rejoicing in the accomplishment of others. 

7. Dr. Seuss

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who'll decide where to go.” – Dr. Seuss

Theodor Seuss Geisel, best known as Dr. Seuss, was a children’s author, political cartoonist, illustrator, poet, animator, and filmmaker. This is an artful way to speak on intuition. Meditation helps keep your mind clear so you can make sound decisions. 

8. Voltaire

“The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.” – Voltaire

François-Marie Arouet is better known by his nom de plume, Voltaire. Voltaire was a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher who is best known for his wit. 

This reminds us that while medicine certainly has a time and place, there is something to be said about nature doing what it is meant to do, and that our bodies have the power to self-heal.

Mindfulness Quotes From Great Thinkers and Activists

Words from thought leaders will inspire the confidence to make the most of your day. 

9. J. Krishnamurti

“In oneself lies the whole world and if you know how to look and learn, the door is there and the key is in your hand. Nobody on earth can give you either the key or the door to open, except yourself.” – J. Krishnamurti

Jiddu Krishnamurti was an Indian American philosopher, speaker, and writer who was born in 1895. His focus in life was to influence others to focus on themselves internally instead of externally, which he said could radically change society. This quote speaks to our innate agency, and that we alone are responsible for improving our lives. 

10. Valarie Kaur

“Courage is only possible in community. When you find yourself afraid and you don’t know if you can survive it: Close your eyes and breathe and remember the one who loves you. Love will make you brave.” – Valarie Kaur

Valarie Kaur is an American activist, documentary filmmaker, lawyer, and educator who is well respected for her writing and activism. She often speaks about the power of community and what is possible when people get together for the same purpose. 

It’s been shown that when large groups of people get together to meditate, it has reduced the crime rate in the area. Building a community is a great way to deepen your journey. Try an Open live mindfulness class to connect with others in real time. 

11. Maya Angelou

“You are the sum total of everything you've ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot - it's all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.” – Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist and is well decorated with many awards and over 50 honorary degrees. Stay present to each experience and choose wisely, knowing the power of your surroundings will impact what comes next. 

12. Manoj Dias

“Being present to our anxiety is an act of self-love.” – Manoj Dias

Manoj Dias is known best for his expertise in mindfulness and meditation. He has worked with thousands of people to help them trade mania for pause. Join him for a live guided meditation. There are proven benefits that come from the practice of staying present and accepting our experience – and it plays a great role in our psychological well-being. 

Conclusion

Mindfulness is a challenge no matter who you are. Great writers, poets, authors, and world leaders – people who are successful in their fields – struggle as much as anyone else when it comes to sitting alone with their thoughts. 

Take inspiration from these 12 mindfulness quotations by ruminating on their truth, and letting it permeate your being. If one speaks to you, find a quiet space to speak it alou, breathe, and allow your thoughts to come and go without judging them or yourself.

Reconnecting with why you practice mindfulness can be an important motivator when your practice feels stale. It can help you remain present, and make better decisions. 

Mindfulness meditation can calm you down and simultaneously give you a boost to power you through the day.

Sources:

EEG Spectral Analysis on OM Mantra Meditation: A Pilot Study | NCBI

Effects of Mindfulness on Psychological Health: A Review of Empirical Studies | NCBI 

The benefits of being present: mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being | NCBI