All you need is five minutes. A mindfulness exercise called “Stop”
has participants stop, take a deep breath, observe what’s going on in
their mind, analyze their emotions, check in on how their body is
feeling and then proceed with their day.
A 2017 report by University of California Davis found that
mindfulness training triples students’ ability to focus and participate
in class. Modern apps like Headspace, Stop, Breathe and Think and Calm
provide guided meditations for people who want to learn and practice
mindfulness.
In the Department of Religious Studies, Chapman is offering a
one-credit class, Mindfulness in the 21st Century, that focuses solely
on mindfulness and introduces the practice of “being present.”
Gail Stearns, dean of the Fish Interfaith Center and professor of
religious studies at Chapman believes in the power of practicing
mindfulness. Stearns was instrumental in creating the mindfulness class
and has taught the class over the past three semesters, but this is the
first semester the class will count as a one-credit course. Stearns also
leads a six-week mindfulness certificate program, which is open to
faculty, staff, and students.
Although there are many apps available for guided meditation, Stearns
feels that it is better to have an instructor there with you, because
it increases the pace of learning.
The mindfulness class focuses on exploring various mindfulness
activities and exercises, Julia Artman, professor of the class this
semester, said. Many activities could be thought of as being mindful, or
aware of the present and the moment.
“In the class we look at (mindfulness exercises such as) mindful walking and mindful eating,” Artman said.
Mindful walking means that you are focused on the activity of walking
without distractions, Artman said. Similarly, mindful eating means
taking the time to really look, appreciate and enjoy the food you’re
eating.
“Mindfulness is about being more aware of the workings of your
thoughts and your emotions and what you may want to do with that
information,” she said. “It’s a skill and a tool that can lead to being
healthier. It may improve one’s capacity to learn, reduce stress and
lead to feelings of happiness and friendliness.”
The class and the workshop on mindfulness began because the Fish
Interfaith Center wanted to help students discover meaning in their
lives, Stearns said.
“Some students do that through religious paths, but not all students
do, so mindfulness helps serve a greater number of students as well as
staff and faculty on campus,” Stearns said.
Shriya Jain, senior business administration major, is one of the students taking the mindfulness class this semester.
“It’s an hour a week where I can forget about the stress and focus on
myself,” Jain said. “(Practicing mindfulness) helps me see the bigger
picture.”
For homework, students are tasked with making an effort practice mindfulness during your week.
“(Mindfulness) can benefit you just by sitting for five minutes in
the morning and focusing your energy on one object,” Jain said. “It
makes you more grateful and it makes you see the world in a different
way.”
See more at: Morisberacha.com
Comentarios
Publicar un comentario