Mindfulness, Awareness, and the Confidence to Show Up

As outdoor athletes, we’re constantly navigating challenge, risk, and change - whether it’s dropping into a technical section, trying something new, or rebuilding after injury. What allows us to show up with confidence, even when things are uncertain?

It starts with mindfulness and awareness.

These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re trainable skills. And inside the Mindfully Strong Method, they form the foundation for everything else we build.

1. What is Mindfulness (really)?

Mindfulness is the ability to notice what’s happening in the moment, without immediately reacting or judging. That includes your thoughts, your emotions, and your physical sensations. It’s not about being calm all the time - it’s about being honest with what’s here.

For example:

• “I feel nervous and my chest is tight before this ride.”

• “I keep having the thought that I’m not ready.”

• “My shoulders are creeping up to my ears right now.”

That awareness gives you the space to choose how you respond.

2. Awareness Leads to Choice

Once you can notice what’s happening inside you, you gain access to choice.

This is where self-trust starts to take root. When you know your patterns, like fear, overthinking, or perfectionism—you can begin to shift how you respond. You no longer have to push through or shrink back. You can choose what’s best for you in that moment.

That might look like:

• Grounding your breath before a descent.

• Taking a moment to reflect before a big decision.

• Naming a fear instead of ignoring it.

These tiny shifts build resilience over time.

3. My Story: Learning to Trust Through Mindfulness

When I first started coaching, I loved teaching others about mindfulness—but I struggled to consistently practice it myself. I thought I needed the “perfect” morning routine or the right setting. But it wasn’t until I gave myself permission to experiment, fail, and adapt that it finally started to stick.

Now, it’s woven into every ride, every decision, every season of life. It helps me stay grounded. It helps me trust myself.

4. Start Here: 3 Ways to Practice This Week

You don’t need hours or special gear to start building mindfulness and awareness. Try one of these:

✅ Body scan check-in before a ride/run/climb — How am I feeling physically, mentally, emotionally?

✅ Name your inner dialogue — What’s the story I’m telling myself about today?

✅ Pause and breathe — In a hard moment, give yourself 3 breaths to reset.

Ready to Go Deeper?

Inside the Mindfully Strong Method, we don’t just talk about mindset—we train it. Each layer builds off the last, starting with a deep foundation in mindfulness and awareness. From there, we move into clarity, confidence, and resilience.

Doors open soon. Be sure to stick around.