Mental Health Matters: Be willing to notice the life unfolding in front of you

By DR. DIVI TARA

Ever feel like your days slip by in a blur? Between work, family, and constant distraction, many of us move from task to task on autopilot, barely noticing life as it unfolds.

Over time, this can disconnect us from our own emotional needs and from one another, leaving us stressed, exhausted, or burned out.

Living on autopilot blurs the line between routine and meaning.

We may stay busy and productive, yet end the day with a sense that something important was missed. We’ve moved through the hours, but haven’t fully inhabited them.

The Biology of the Blur

There is a biological reason for this. Our brains are wired for efficiency. Familiar tasks are shifted into automatic mode to conserve energy.

While this helps us manage busy lives, it has a downside; when attention fades, experience fades with it.

Meals are eaten but not tasted. Conversations are heard but not fully absorbed. We survive our schedules instead of experiencing our lives.

The Shift Toward Mindfulness

Mindfulness offers a way back. At its core, mindfulness is simply paying attention to the present moment, on purpose and without judgment.

It’s not about clearing the mind or achieving calm. It’s about noticing what is already here.

Practices such as meditation, yoga, or exercise can support mindfulness, but they aren’t mindfulness themselves. The practice is the shift from managing and rushing to being present and intentional.

You might wonder how much of a difference being present can really make.

After all, remembering everything on a to-do list can feel productive. But does that mental checklist bring you joy?
In the rush of “to-do,” we often forget “to-be.”

Starting Small

Mindfulness doesn’t require special tools or extra time. It can begin with a small choice: doing one ordinary activity with full attention.

Walking outside, eating a meal or washing dishes can become moments of awareness. When your mind wanders – as it naturally will – gently bring it back. A wandering mind isn’t a failure; it’s human.

The Power of Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is essential to this process. Many of us are far harsher with ourselves than we would ever be with a friend.
Mindfulness invites a kinder stance.

Thoughts are just thoughts. We don’t need to fight or judge them. When we notice and let them pass, we allow space for greater ease and resilience.

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health often begins with small, daily shifts.

By reclaiming moments of awareness, you take ownership of your experience. And when presence is shared – through a meal, a conversation, or a simple activity—it quietly strengthens connections.

Awareness doesn’t require more time, just a willingness to notice the life unfolding right in front of you. Give it a try today!

• Dr. Divi Tara, C.Psych, is a Psychologist with Toronto Beaches Psychology. Located at 160 Main St., Toronto Beaches Psychology offers doctoral-level clinicians who support clients across the lifespan, from children and teens to adults and older adults. The clinic provides evidence-based care for concerns such as anxiety, stress, depression, neurological based illnesses/injuries and life transitions.
  While rooted in the Beach community, clinicians also offer virtual services to individuals beyond the neighbourhood.
  For more information, please go online to www.torontobeachespsychology.ca or call 416-693-9727.