What does it feel like to be mindful?

First of all, I’m not always mindful. I’m still a student on this path.
But with a few years of experience, I’d like to share what it feels like—being in a mindful state.

Everything slows down.
My breath, my steps, my thoughts—the world around me begins to soften its pace.
I’m usually a fast walker, but when I walk mindfully, my steps naturally slow. It’s like the time stretches out, inviting me to explore each moment.

Things become clearer.
My senses sharpen. I hear every sound around me. I feel the texture of my clothes, the movement of my muscles, the rhythm of my steps.
There are no thoughts pulling me away—just me and the experience of now.

It's a sense of clearness.

The beauty in everything.
In this state, even the most ordinary objects—a wall, a car, a tree—hold my attention.
I appreciate their texture, the shape, the way the light hits them.
It’s like walking through an art gallery, and I especially love watching the trees.
It feels like I turn the whole street into a living museum.

A peace you don’t want to leave.
It’s a stillness, like meditation.
In this place, I don’t judge. I don’t hate. I don’t worry.
I’m not excited either—but I’m quietly enjoy everything.
There’s a light smile on my face, a clear mind behind it.
It’s a state I want to stay in—maybe even forever.
But the moment I get distracted, it slips away.

And maybe that’s the point of mindfulness—to stay in that peaceful, present state a little longer each time.

How about you? What does mindfulness feel like for you?