MB Mindfulness

By Katie Langin Karen Barry knew that mental health was a problem for Ph.D. students at her institution. In her role as graduate research coordinator at the University of Tasmania in Hobart, Australia, she had spoken with many students over the years who had confided in her, sharing personal stories about their struggles with stress, depression, and anxiety. But for Barry—who is also a senior lecturer in plant biology—the problem came into full focus a few years ago when a student who was a leader of the graduate student body visited her office feeling stressed and overwhelmed. “Everyone else is coming to me and telling me they’re stressed,” the Ph.D. student—a scientist—told Barry. “What can I do to help the students around me?” Barry told the student about counseling services and other resources on campus. But the interaction also made Barry ponder what else could be done to support the mental health of Ph.D. students—a group that suffers from anxiety and de...

Annika Brickman, 9, colours during a Mindful Kids workshop on Friday February 1, 2019 in Stratford, Ont. Terry Bridge/Stratford Beacon Herald/Postmedia Network By Terry Bridge Most weekdays away from school are enjoyable, but for a group of young Stratford elementary students Friday’s PA day was even more relaxing. Ten youngsters from ages six to 12 were learning all about mindfulness – “a fancy word for paying attention,” explained instructor Melissa McIntosh – while creating unique crafts in an interactive environment. Ruby Mumford, 7, was enjoying the session. “I think it’s pretty cool,” said the Stratford resident on a chilly Friday morning. “It’s just to teach you all about how to be calm.” The participants took turns at various stations, including one where they used bright colours to create mindful jars both for themselves and a friend. It was right up 9-year-old Annika Brickman’s alley. “I real...

By Talia Cuttitta 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...