By Gowher Bhat

Life in Kashmir moves slowly. The harsh winters, frequent power cuts, rough roads, and financial instability shape every day. Yet, in the face of these constant challenges, people persevere — opening shops, drinking tea, praying. How do they manage? The answer is mindfulness, a practice so deeply ingrained in daily life that it is seldom named, yet it is the key to their survival.

Mindfulness in Kashmir is not a trendy term or something one actively labels. It is simply about being present, whether in the mundane act of making tea, walking through a crowded market, or quietly sipping tea with a friend. This awareness of the present moment is as much a part of the region’s essence as its landscapes. It is in the rhythm of life, in the stillness between breaths, and in the vastness of nature. Mindfulness in Kashmir is about being in the moment without striving for anything more. It is living with the land, feeling it in your bones.

John Kabat-Zinn, who pioneered research in mindfulness, defines it as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” His research has shown mindfulness reduces stress and improves emotional regulation, especially in........

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