Mindful Marketing

Spring 2024

I call it "Mindful Marketing." My husband laughed when I first used the expression.

Twenty-five years in marketing in the city took their toll on him, and he insists there’s nothing mindful about marketing. Maybe that’s why I’ve found my own unconventional way to promote my yoga business—without relying heavily on social media.

Why I Avoid Social Media

I’ve never been a fan of social media. I joined Facebook in my mid-twenties when it felt like a fun way to stay in touch, but over time it stopped feeling real. The endless updates, oversharing, and lack of boundaries made me uncomfortable—it all seemed to dilute genuine connection.When photos from my own wedding appeared online without my consent, that was the final straw. I realised how much I valued privacy and authenticity. Eventually, I closed my account and never looked back.

Flyers: My Version of Mindful Marketing

For the sake of free marketing, I reluctantly opened a Facebook account and downloaded WhatsApp. Still, I’ve struggled to make social media work for me. I don’t enjoy the time it takes to create posts, write captions, and engage online. It feels draining and unnatural.

So, I turned to something simpler: flyers. I design them myself and print them out, then I head out into the neighborhood to distribute them. I call this "flying," and it’s become one of my favorite rituals. I’ve been flying since 2022

, and it brings me joy every single time.

First, there’s the physical act of walking. Sometimes I’ll cover just a street or two; other times, I’ll walk up to 12–14 kilometers. The slow pace is key. There’s no rushing when you’re delivering flyers door-to-door. It’s a meditative process that lets me connect with my surroundings in a way I never would otherwise.

The Beauty of Flying

Flying allows me to notice the small, beautiful details around me. The colors of doors stand out—deep fuchsia, pastel blue, dense navy. Front gardens tell their own stories with flowers in bloom or whimsical decorations. The changing seasons bring different joys: Halloween displays, twinkling Christmas lights, and the first crocuses of spring. Each month has its own charm—daffodils, magnolias, cherry blossoms, roses, and peonies take turns stealing the spotlight.

Occasionally, there are surprises: handmade pompom wreaths in vibrant colors or whimsical garden sculptures. These little discoveries brighten my day and make the process feel magical.

Of course, flying isn’t always glamorous. I’ve had my share of pinched fingers from stubborn letterboxes and unexpected encounters with dogs. Once, I even stepped into wet cement and left my footprint behind—the only one.

A Mindful Alternative

Today, the sun is shining after days of gloomy weather. It’s the perfect day for mindful marketing. I walked 12 kilometers and distributed 300 to 400 flyers. Whether I get phone calls from this effort or not, I know my time wasn’t wasted. Unlike social media, flying feels meaningful. It’s time well spent, and it leaves me feeling happy and relaxed.

Who knows—maybe mindful marketing will catch on. For now, it’s my little secret to staying true to myself while building my business. See you in the next post!