Hi ,
How many times this week have you been asked, “Hi, how are you?”
It’s probably the most common script in our daily lives. And just as likely, you’ve replied, “I’m fine. How are you?” without really thinking about it.
That’s the thing—it’s so automatic, we don’t even notice it anymore.
But what if I told you that hidden inside this simple exchange is one of the most powerful mindfulness practices I know?
Let me explain.
Years ago, I was walking down the Boulder Mall on a beautiful summer evening and ran into a gifted therapist and Hakomi trainer I’d worked with, Phil DePrince.
We saw each other from a distance and waved. As I got closer, I smiled and said, “Hey Phil, how are you doing?”
He did not answer right away.
He paused, tilted his head slightly, and his eyes shifted – like he was checking inside himself to see what was actually true.
Then he looked at me and said:
“You know, I’m really not doing that great.”
I was surprised – not because something was wrong- but because he gave me an honest answer. No auto-response. No pretense. Just truth.
That brief moment of honesty moved me.
Not because I was worried about him – he wasn’t asking for help – and he certainly could manage his inner world – but because he offered me something meaningful.
That simple moment taught me something powerful.
A simple question, one we hear many times day, can be an opportunity turn an “automatic” conversation in deeper, honest, connection.
And I never forgot it.
Since then, I’ve turned this into a daily mindfulness practice. I call it:
Letting the world come to you.
Here’s how it works:
Every time someone says, “How are you?” – pause.
Don’t speak.
Actually check in with yourself.
You don’t have to share what you find. But for a few seconds, just notice.
How are you?
Examine, what’s it like to you be you in that moment?
This turns a tiny, everyday moment into a mindful moment.
It adds depth, clarity, and presence to your life. One “hello” at a time.
This is what it means to bring mindfulness into your day—not just your meditation cushion.
So this week, try this:
When someone asks how you are – don’t answer right away.
Pause.
Check in.
Let the world invite you to be present.
You might be surprised what you find there.
Stay present,
Brett
PS.
If you missed last week’s letter on letting appreciation actually land when it’s offered, this week’s practice pairs beautifully with that one. We don’t have to “make” mindfulenss happen – sometimes it knocks at your door, you just have to notice.