FOMO Through Mindfulness

The Tyranny of FOMO: A Mindful Approach

In our hyper-connected world, it's all too easy to fall prey to the fear of missing out, or FOMO. Social media serves up a constant stream of experiences that others are having - exotic vacations, parties, career successes - leading us to feel like we're not quite living up to the ideal lives we see portrayed. This feeling can manifest as anxiety, restlessness, and dissatisfaction with our own lives.

We believe there is great value in approaching FOMO mindfully. Rather than getting caught up in what we think we're missing, mindfulness allows us to observe the feeling itself with openness and curiosity. When we notice FOMO arising, we can pause and investigate the actual sensations in the body. Often, we'll find the feeling is rather vague and amorphous, more of a mental construction than a solid entity.

Bringing mindfulness to our fears reveals that the sense of lack is coming from within, not from the external events themselves. FOMO is driven by our own insecurities and belief that only extraordinary experiences will provide fulfillment. In truth, happiness exists in simple moments if we allow ourselves to appreciate them. A mindful approach allows us to find wholeness in ordinary activities like taking a walk, having a conversation, or preparing a meal.

By observing our fears with equanimity, we can loosen their grip and access a more centered place within. Rather than endlessly chasing the next experience, we open to the richness available here and now. Bringing mindful awareness to FOMO allows us to find liberation from its tyranny. We can enjoy others’ experiences without needing them to complete ourselves. And we can cultivate gratitude for the life unfolding before us.