Mindful Calendar – Stepping Into Another Perspective & 3rd Advent

It is wonderful for families to come together, especially at Christmas. Yet being in close proximity for extended periods can sometimes bring side effects — impatience, frustration, or moments of disagreement.

If this happens at any point over the festive season, mindfulness can be a powerful tool for counteracting it.

Today’s mindful practice invites you to become attentive to moments when you either have an argument or express a strong opinion to someone. When this happens, make a quiet mental note of the belief you expressed.

Later, when you are alone, take ten minutes to gently imagine that you believe the opposite. Notice how it feels to step into the other side of the argument. Do you begin to understand where the other person might be coming from? How might your original opinion sound when heard through their ears?

Last night, I had the classic “brushing your teeth” argument, which often ends in shouting — especially at night, when patience is thin. Sitting with it in my mind, I could put myself in the other person’s shoes: I’m busy, you interrupted what I was doing, why do I have to brush my teeth when you want me to? I completely get it. Then I wondered: what does the other side understand about mine? Seeing the situation from both perspectives helped me feel calmer and more connected, and reminded me that often our differences are not as stark as they seem in the heat of the moment.

Research shows that while teenagers can feel empathy, their brains are still developing in areas involved in understanding others’ perspectives and managing emotions. This means their ability to fully empathise is still growing — it improves with age, experience, and guidance.

A perfect example came this morning: my teenager came down and apologised first, showing understanding and consideration. Yet by early afternoon, the toothbrush was still untouched. Most of the time, I really don’t know the best way to approach these situations — and I’ve learned that practicing mindfulness helps me navigate these ups and downs with patience, curiosity, and a bit more compassion for both sides.

Today was also a slower, restorative Sunday — a chance to pause and savour the season. I got up a little later than usual, did a weight workout, and enjoyed a warm bowl of porridge to start the morning mindfully.

The day carried on with simple, hands-on activities: shopping, and making pizza dough with the leftover fresh yeast I bought at the bakery last weekend. It’s little moments like these — kneading dough, smelling the bread, being present in the rhythm of everyday tasks — that invite mindfulness into ordinary life.

This afternoon, I’m looking forward to a cup of tea by candlelight, with my two teenagers nearby. It’s the 3rd Advent, and the third candle will be lit with intention and awareness. I may write a few more Christmas cards and prepare small gifts for people I might see next week. This quiet time, punctuated by small acts of care and attention, is my mindful practice for the day — a reminder that mindfulness doesn’t always need to be elaborate. Sometimes it’s simply about slowing down, noticing, and embracing the ordinary with presence and gratitude.

Mindfulness, like the small rituals of Advent and shared moments with family, nourishes both the heart and the spirit — reminding us that presence, patience, and gentle attention can be the most meaningful gifts of all.