How Mindfulness Helped Me See the World Differently
Proudly written by Callan Hansen
Feburary 11th, 2025
Mindfulness, for me, is like a superpower. It allows you to notice things that others overlook, and lets you connect with other people's emotions and thoughts on a much deeper level than we ever thought possible.
When I'm truly present, it's like my experience expands beyond just me. It's not just about my senses anymore—suddenly, it feels like I'm seeing the world through everything around me. During those moments, I'm not just Callan. I am the snail slowly crossing the path, the morning glory vine stretching towards the sun, and every insect that crawls by. It's like all of consciousness is unfolding at once, and I'm part of it all.
This understanding has completely changed the way I see the world. When I see a snail in my garden, I don't just see it as a little creature moving around. In a way, I feel like I'm also that snail too, experiencing its world. It's a strange, humbling feeling, but it makes me so much more aware of how my actions affect everything around me. If I were to hurt that snail, I wouldn't just be hurting something else—I'd be hurting a part of myself. It's like causing unnecessary pain to the flow of life itself. Everything is connected, and if I harm one thing, I'm impacting the whole.
This connection brings with it a kind of responsibility. When we hurt others, we're also hurting ourselves in a way. Every decision we make ripples out, affecting everything around us. Mindfulness, to me, isn't just about being present in the moment—it's about understanding that we're all part of something bigger, and that each of us experiences the world in countless forms at once.
I honestly believe that insects and even plants hold deep wisdom. They've been here far longer than we have and are in tune with something deep and ancient that we often overlook. They're part of the same consciousness we are, and if we're mindful enough, we can tap into that knowledge. How they move, grow, and interact with their surroundings carries lessons we can learn from if we just take the time to notice.
In fact, I think snails teach us the exact lesson of mindfulness. Their slow, deliberate movements remind me that life isn't about rushing to the finish line. It's about the journey. When I watch a snail, it's almost as if it's saying, “Take your time. Slow down. Observe the moment. Be here now.” That's the essence of mindfulness—slowing down enough to truly experience each step, each breath, and each moment as it comes, without judgement.
In these quiet, mindful moments, I feel deeply connected to something far greater than myself—a vast puzzle, where I am both every piece and the whole picture at once. It reminds me that every little thing is sacred, and that every being, no matter how small, plays a role in the greater scheme of existence.
As I go through my day, I try to carry this awareness with me—that every step I take, every choice I make, ripples through this shared experience of life, shaping the world around me and, in turn, shaping myself.
If this resonated with you, check out How to take control of your mindset or return to the main blog page.