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We’re thrilled to introduce Nicole Taylor, who joined Mindfulness Through Movement as a Board Member this past May. A leadership coach, strategic facilitator, and wellness practitioner, Nicole brings over 15 years of experience supporting deep transformation in individuals and organizations alike. We asked Nicole some questions to learn more about her experience with leadership and mindfulness.
What drew you to MTM as an organization and its mission?
I love the mission – specifically the part about cultivating steadiness. A steady mind can serve us when times are hard, when times are easy, and all of the in-between. I’ve experienced in my own life the power of yoga and mindfulness, so I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that is spreading that wisdom to young people. I had always wished I’d started earlier! It’s amazing to see these young folks practicing these time-tested activities that support calm and steadiness for whatever we face in life.
Also, I got to see the program in action and was so inspired by the young people doing the practices together, connecting with one another, and experiencing joy. It was cool to feel the calmer energy that settled over the room by the end of class.
You have a background in yoga, somatic work, meditation, and Ayurveda. How do you integrate these practices into your daily life?
I think of these as foundational practices for my own inner steadiness, a steadiness that I hopefully ripple out into the world. I meditate daily and do yoga most days. Somatic work comes in by taking a few pauses throughout the day to check in…what sensations in my body want my attention, what emotions are showing up? And just being with that. With Ayurveda, there’s a morning routine that has a few steps, such as gratitude practice and drinking lime water with honey, which is great for mood and digestion.
What does mindfulness mean to you?
To me, mindfulness is about awareness. It’s about experiencing how the mind has its roaming tendencies, and we can train it to attend purposefully, whether that’s to the breath, body sensations, or a mantra. There’s a big world outside of us, but there’s also a big world inside of us. Mindfulness is the practice of building awareness of that inner world. As the noise of the mind quiets, mindfulness helps us contact our deep inner experience, which can serve as a guide for how we move through the world.
Your book A Joyful Pause encourages people to find daily joy. Can you share a recent “joyful pause” you’ve experienced?
The other night after the sun had set, I noticed there were a ton of fireflies in the backyard. And I just stopped what I was doing and gave my attention to watching the fireflies dotting the darkness. A feeling of gratitude arose in me for that simple pleasure nature offered. So, I took a couple of breaths to let myself bask in the gratitude and joy of that firefly moment, until it passed.
Why do you think mindfulness is especially important for young people right now?
Young people, like all of us, live in a world where there are so many things competing for their attention – especially digitally. It’s important to be able to collect and direct our attention purposefully. The practice of mindfulness is the “how” of building that skill. When young people can access their agency in what they choose to give their attention to, it’s a key skill for their ability to focus, and to be responsive rather than reactive to circumstances.
What’s one small mindfulness practice you recommend for people who feel busy or stressed?
Stop wherever you are and sit down. Feel the place where your body connects with whatever you are sitting on. Bring your attention gently to sensations - it could be the sense of physical pressure, temperature, stillness, or perhaps inner micromovements. Whatever you notice is just fine.
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