12 Women Leaders Share Mindfulness Wisdom for Troubled Times

Mindfulness Wisdom from 12 Women Leaders in Turbulent Times

As climate change, racial injustice, and global crises reshape our world, mindfulness offers a grounding force. In this article, 12 influential women—teachers, researchers, and activists—share their hard-won wisdom for navigating troubled times with compassion and resilience.

1. Cultivate Equanimity Through Mindfulness Practice

Diana Winston (Director of Mindfulness Education, UCLA)
- Key insight: "Equanimity helps us hold space for suffering without becoming overwhelmed"
- Practice tip: Return to the breath when emotions feel stormy
- Transformational impact: "Mindfulness moves our planet toward love, compassion, and justice"

2. Reclaim Your Identity Through Mindful Awareness

Jenée Johnson (Public Health & Racial Healing Innovator)
- Core message: "Mindfulness helps remember who you are amidst systemic racism"
- Healing truth: "There is no healing without rest—especially for marginalized communities"
- Empowerment practice: Use mindfulness to navigate triggers with emotional intelligence

3. Create Systemic Change Through Grassroots Mindfulness

Tita Angangco (Cofounder, Centre for Mindfulness Studies)
- Social impact strategy: "Change fundamentals of how we value each other"
- Current project: Training frontline workers in mindfulness for youth mental health
- Key belief: "Lasting change comes from both leadership and grassroots movements"

4. Build Resilience by Failing Wisely

Cheryl Jones (Founder, The Mindful Path)
- Personal story: Used mindfulness to survive divorce and rebuild
- Essential practice: "Be with strong emotions rather than numbing them"
- Starting small: "Even one minute of mindful breathing creates transformation"

5. Use Clear Vision to Drive Social Transformation

Sebene Selassie (Author, You Belong)
- Cultural observation: "More suffering is being revealed now than ever before"
- Mindful activism: "We need systemic change, not just Band-Aid solutions"
- Call to action: Use mindfulness to feel what's needed in each moment

6. Practice Radical Dignity in Mindfulness Teaching

Leslie Booker (Yoga & Meditation Teacher)
- Work with incarcerated youth: "Mindfulness restores stolen dignity"
- Compassion practice: "Hurt people hurt people—understanding breaks cycles"
- Identity affirmation: "Bring your full self to mindfulness spaces"

7. Extend Compassion Beyond Yourself

Sona Dimidjian (Clinical Psychologist)
- Community focus: "Mindfulness anchors us so we can serve others"
- Current challenge: Navigating profound societal uncertainty
- Guiding question: "How can I benefit my community and the world?"

8. Rebuild Diverse Communities Through Mindfulness

Ghylian Bell (Founder, Urban Yoga Foundation)
- Interconnection practice: Honor ancestors' resilience
- Organizational vision: "Reclaim community as integral and diverse"
- Healing metaphor: Acknowledge pain like caring for a child's scraped knee

9. Lead with Embodied Presence and Inclusion

Tami Simon (Founder, Sounds True)
- Personal transformation: "Mindfulness made me feel welcome in my body"
- Leadership practice: "Be a force of sanity in every interaction"
- Gender equity: "The world needs women's voices equally represented"

10. Find Your Natural Flow State

Cara Bradley (Mindfulness & Yoga Teacher)
- Teaching philosophy: Help people feel more alive
- Energy balance: Combine yang (action) and yin (receptivity)
- Core belief: "Peace is everyone's natural state"

11. Create Safe Spaces in Organizations

Michelle Maldonado (CEO, Lucenscia)
- Childhood roots: Learned meditation from her great-aunt at age 7
- Business insight: "It's not what you do, but how you do it"
- Diversity commitment: "Break down misperceptions through representation"

12. Listen to Youth Wisdom

Jessica Morey (Founder, iBme)
- Teen retreat impact: "Creates belonging, love and peace"
- Climate crisis approach: Combine contemplation with action
- Hope source: "Young people experiencing their best qualities"

Key Mindfulness Practices for Challenging Times

1. Start small: Even one minute of breathing makes a difference
2. Honor emotions: Let yourself feel anger, grief, or fear without judgment
3. Connect with community: Mindfulness grows through relationships
4. Rest intentionally: Healing requires downtime
5. See clearly: Use mindfulness to perceive systemic injustices
6. Act compassionately: Let awareness guide your responses

These women leaders demonstrate how mindfulness can transform personal lives and social systems. Their wisdom lights a path forward—one breath, one insight, one courageous action at a time.