95+ Mindful Overwhelm Quotes: Finding Calm in Life’s Storms

Feelings of overwhelm are just about guaranteed in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, but one may be surprised to hear that a recent study shows more than 70 percent of adults reported feeling overwhelmed by stress at least once a week. The storms of life are more intense than ever, and knowing how to navigate these with mindfulness and grace is more important than ever. That is why we have prepared this list of 100 perceptive quotes about mindful overwhelm to help you find your center when life gets too overwhelming. It is in such moments of life that everything gets to be too much, and then the wisdom of philosophers, spiritual leaders, and ordinary people gives guidance, comfort, and practical advice.

Quotes on Mindful Overwhelm

1. “You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” – Dan Millman
2. “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” – William James
3. “Mindfulness isn’t difficult, we just need to remember to do it.” – Sharon Salzberg
4. “The mind is like water. When it’s turbulent, it’s difficult to see. When it’s calm, everything becomes clear.” – Prasad Mahes
5. “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” – Oprah Winfrey

These first five quotes remind us of the power of our thoughts and the importance of staying present. By choosing our focus and practicing mindfulness, we can begin to calm the storm of overwhelm.

6. “Life is a dance. Mindfulness is witnessing that dance.” – Amit Ray
7. “Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.” – Wayne W. Dyer
8. “The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
9. “In today’s rush, we all think too much, seek too much, want too much and forget about the joy of just being.” – Eckhart Tolle
10. “Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

Mindfulness is not about changing our experiences, but rather changing our relationship to them. These quotes emphasize the importance of accepting life as it is and finding joy in the present moment.

11. “The only way to live is by accepting each minute as an unrepeatable miracle.” – Tara Brach
12. “Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” – Mother Teresa
13. “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
14. “Mindfulness is about love and loving life. When you cultivate this love, it gives you clarity and compassion for life, and your actions happen in accordance with that.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
15. “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

These quotes remind us of the beauty and potential in each moment. By cultivating mindfulness, we can tap into a wellspring of joy and peace, even in the midst of overwhelm.

16. “Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated than that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it.” – Sylvia Boorstein
17. “The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha
18. “Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges. So relax.” – Bryant McGill
19. “Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
20. “The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

These quotes emphasize the transformative power of mindfulness. By cultivating awareness and acceptance, we can change our relationship with overwhelm and find peace in the present.

21. “Don’t believe everything you think. Thoughts are just that – thoughts.” – Allan Lokos
22. “Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).” – James Baraz
23. “The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” – Ram Dass
24. “Mindfulness is about being fully awake in our lives. It is about perceiving the exquisite vividness of each moment.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
25. “The mind is like a cloudy sky: in essence clear and pure, but overcast by clouds of delusions.” – Kelsang Gyatso

These quotes remind us that our thoughts and perceptions often cloud our experience of reality. By practicing mindfulness, we can learn to see through these clouds and connect with the clarity that lies beneath.

26. “Mindfulness is the key to transforming your relationship with life.” – Amit Ray
27. “The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
28. “Meditation is not evasion; it is a serene encounter with reality.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
29. “To think in terms of either pessimism or optimism oversimplifies the truth. The problem is to see reality as it is.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
30. “The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

These quotes from Thich Nhat Hanh, a master of mindfulness, emphasize the transformative power of being fully present in our lives and relationships.

31. “Mindfulness isn’t about fixing you, because you’re not broken. It’s about becoming aware of the habits of your mind.” – Sharon Salzberg
32. “The only thing that is ultimately real about your journey is the step that you are taking at this moment. That’s all there ever is.” – Eckhart Tolle
33. “Mindfulness is about being fully awake in our lives. It is about perceiving the exquisite vividness of each moment.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
34. “The mind is like tofu. It tastes like whatever you marinate it in.” – Sylvia Boorstein
35. “In this moment, there is plenty of time. In this moment, you are precisely as you should be. In this moment, there is infinite possibility.” – Victoria Moran

These quotes remind us that mindfulness is not about perfection or fixing ourselves, but about becoming aware of our patterns and embracing the potential in each moment.

36. “Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated than that.” – Sylvia Boorstein
37. “The goal of meditation isn’t to control your thoughts, it’s to stop letting them control you.” – Unknown
38. “Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
39. “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
40. “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

These quotes emphasize that mindfulness is not about achieving a particular state, but about cultivating a different relationship with our experiences – one of acceptance and non-judgment.

41. “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
42. “Mindfulness is the foundation of all wisdom.” – Jack Kornfield
43. “Mindfulness is about love and loving life. When you cultivate this love, it gives you clarity and compassion for life, and your actions happen in accordance with that.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
44. “The things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are moments when we touch one another.” – Jack Kornfield
45. “Mindfulness is the miracle by which we master and restore ourselves.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

These quotes remind us of the profound impact that mindfulness can have on our lives, helping us to connect more deeply with ourselves and others.

46. “The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently.” – Pema Chödrön
47. “Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
48. “The mind is like water. When it’s turbulent, it’s difficult to see. When it’s calm, everything becomes clear.” – Prasad Mahes
49. “Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).” – James Baraz
50. “Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated than that.” – Sylvia Boorstein

These quotes emphasize the importance of self-awareness and acceptance in the practice of mindfulness. They remind us that clarity comes from a calm mind and that accepting our present experience is key to finding peace.

51. “The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
52. “Mindfulness isn’t difficult, we just need to remember to do it.” – Sharon Salzberg
53. “Meditation is not evasion; it is a serene encounter with reality.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
54. “The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
55. “Mindfulness is about being fully awake in our lives. It is about perceiving the exquisite vividness of each moment.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

These quotes highlight the power of presence and the impact it can have on our relationships and experiences. They remind us that mindfulness is a simple yet profound practice that can transform our lives.

56. “The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha
57. “Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges. So relax.” – Bryant McGill
58. “Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
59. “The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
60. “Don’t believe everything you think. Thoughts are just that – thoughts.” – Allan Lokos

These quotes emphasize the power of our thoughts and the importance of cultivating a calm mind. They remind us that by focusing on the present moment, we can better navigate the challenges we face.

61. “The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” – Ram Dass
62. “Mindfulness is the key to transforming your relationship with life.” – Amit Ray
63. “To think in terms of either pessimism or optimism oversimplifies the truth. The problem is to see reality as it is.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
64. “Mindfulness isn’t about fixing you, because you’re not broken. It’s about becoming aware of the habits of your mind.” – Sharon Salzberg
65. “The only thing that is ultimately real about your journey is the step that you are taking at this moment. That’s all there ever is.” – Eckhart Tolle

These quotes remind us that mindfulness is not about changing our experiences, but about changing our relationship to them. They encourage us to see reality clearly and to become aware of our mental habits.

66. “The mind is like tofu. It tastes like whatever you marinate it in.” – Sylvia Boorstein
67. “In this moment, there is plenty of time. In this moment, you are precisely as you should be. In this moment, there is infinite possibility.” – Victoria Moran
68. “The goal of meditation isn’t to control your thoughts, it’s to stop letting them control you.” – Unknown
69. “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
70. “Mindfulness is the foundation of all wisdom.” – Jack Kornfield

These quotes offer metaphors and insights that can help us understand and practice mindfulness more effectively. They remind us that while we can’t control everything in life, we can learn to navigate it with grace and wisdom.

71. “The things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are moments when we touch one another.” – Jack Kornfield
72. “Mindfulness is the miracle by which we master and restore ourselves.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
73. “The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently.” – Pema Chödrön
74. “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
75. “Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

These quotes emphasize the importance of self-awareness, self-compassion, and connection in the practice of mindfulness. They remind us that mindfulness is not just about individual well-being, but about how we relate to ourselves and others.

76. “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
77. “Mindfulness isn’t difficult, we just need to remember to do it.” – Sharon Salzberg
78. “The mind is like water. When it’s turbulent, it’s difficult to see. When it’s calm, everything becomes clear.” – Prasad Mahes
79. “Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).” – James Baraz
80. “The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

These quotes remind us of the joy and clarity that can be found in the present moment. They encourage us to cultivate awareness and acceptance of our experiences, regardless of whether they are pleasant or unpleasant.

81. “Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” – Carl Jung
82. “The real meditation is how you live your life.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
83. “Mindfulness is a pause – the space between stimulus and response: that’s where choice lies.” – Tara Brach
84. “To understand the immeasurable, the mind must be extraordinarily quiet, still.” – Jiddu Krishnamurti
85. “Mindfulness is about being fully awake in our lives. It is about perceiving the exquisite vividness of each moment.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

These quotes delve deeper into the nature of mindfulness, emphasizing its role in self-discovery, decision-making, and living a more aware and fulfilling life.

86. “The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently.” – Pema Chödrön
87. “Meditation is not about trying to get anywhere else. It is about allowing yourself to be exactly where you are.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
88. “The mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it isn’t open.” – Frank Zappa
89. “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
90. “The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human can alter his life by altering his attitude.” – William James

These quotes remind us of the transformative power of self-awareness and open-mindedness. They emphasize that mindfulness is not about achieving a particular state, but about accepting ourselves and our experiences fully.

91. “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
92. “The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
93. “Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance
94. “The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
95. “Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

These final quotes reinforce the idea that mindfulness is about accepting our present experience and recognizing the value in every moment, no matter how small it may seem

96. “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” – Viktor E. Frankl
97. “Mindfulness practice means that we commit fully in each moment to be present; inviting ourselves to interface with this moment in full awareness, with the intention to embody as best we can an orientation of calmness, mindfulness, and equanimity right here and right now.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
98. “The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
99. “Mindfulness isn’t about fixing you, because you’re not broken. It’s about becoming aware of the habits of your mind.” – Sharon Salzberg
100. “Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.” – Wayne W. Dyer

These final quotes emphasize the power of choice, the importance of full presence, and the transformative nature of mindfulness practice. They remind us that mindfulness is not about fixing ourselves, but about becoming aware and accepting life as it is.

As we contemplate these 100 quotes about mindful overwhelm, a few themes seem to arise. We realize very clearly that mindfulness does not dominate our thoughts or experiences but changes our relation to them. It is the development of awareness, acceptance, and presence in each moment-whether it is a pleasant or not-so-pleasant moment.

These quotes remind us that overwhelm is part of the human
It is because, yes, it is an experience, but not necessarily one that has to dictate our lives. Through mindfulness, we have the capability to surf the waves in life rather than be swept away. Where we can find peace, rather than by changing circumstances, by simply changing perspective.

Now, as you continue onward, consider how you can apply these insights into your day-to-day activities. You may want to begin a mindfulness practice, or simply to stop and breathe deeply when these moments get overwhelming. Allow these quotes-many of them-to remind you that the present moment is all we ever actually have, and in this moment, there’s always the chance for peace, clarity, and growth.