Our series of well-being challenges for students, staff, and community members continues this month with a challenge to engage in a mindfulness practice every day. Please consider joining others in your community in growing your mindfulness practice this month. Whether you are completely new to mindfulness or have an active practice, join us in growing that this month. Why mindfulness and why now? Mindfulness is simply paying attention to what is happening at a given time. It is being present. It is being aware of our thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings in the moment. Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.” Simple maybe, but not always easy. It takes some practice to create space for the present moment in the middle of all of the activity of our modern lives.
As December can be one of the busiest months of the year, it makes mindfulness practice even more important. For many of us, there are family commitments, holiday celebrations, travel plans, school breaks, and community and faith events during the month of December. While this flurry of activity can be an invigorating celebration of life, family and faith, it can also be a time when we can fall into a pattern of rushing rather than appreciating. Mindfulness helps us to slow down and savor the moments, even during this busy season. It is important to note that mindfulness practice has many benefits, and has been shown to lower stress levels, improve health, and improve one’s overall sense of well-being. Join us this month as we challenge ourselves and one another to engage in a daily mindfulness practice. This month, dust off a mindfulness practice that has worked for you in the past or try one for the first time. Take the time to be more aware, present, and focused. Make a commitment to a practice that works for you and your lifestyle – anywhere from starting your day with a minute or two of focused deep breathing to a daily practice of 30 minutes or more. Whatever works for you, set aside a little time to focus your attention on the present. If you are completely new to mindfulness, consider trying one or more of the following practices suggested by Mayo Clinic:
These exercises, as well as others and more information about mindfulness, can be found at https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356 You can also join with others practicing similar exercises at D’Evelyn Junior Senior High during Monday Morning Mindfulness, which is held every Monday morning at 7:15am in the small gym. If you prefer to have a guided practice, consider trying one or more of the guided practices widely available. You can stream or download several guided practices from the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center by visiting their website at https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations. Another easy way to access guided practices is through free or low cost apps, including but not limited to Calm, Breethe, Omvana, Headspace, and Pacifica. Visit your app store to explore these and other supports available on your phone. Comments are closed.
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April 2022
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