The life of a 21st century college student seems to move in fast forward. In my first semester as a college student, I have never been so busy and stressed. The constant barrage of homework, tests, and essays added to the ever-constant worry of admission into my major often puts me on edge. In this sort of mindset, it is hard to slow down and think on a deeper level as required in Honors 392A.
Thankfully, contemplative practices done at the beginning of almost every class have helped me slow down and think. While I don’t usually gain intense insights or amazing revelations while doing these practices, my mind is refreshed and in a learning space post-practice. I have also noticed a change in my peers after contemplative practices; the classroom is usually quieter and more focused after practices.
In my action project group, Claire led many contemplative practices. Practices helped us cultivate a group mind as we all seemed to be on the “same page” afterwards. This made our group more efficient as well as more creative. Our group recognized the important role contemplative practices played in our action project. We wanted share the experience we had with others, so we added a contemplative practices page to our website, including a practice led by our very own Karen Liftin (our professor).
I have wondered about the applications of contemplative practices in the “real world.” Imagine if the House of Representatives or Congress held contemplative practices before passing or creating legislation. Would better decisions and better laws be made? Although I do not have the answer to that question, I do believe the atmosphere would be much less contentious if everyone was in a calmer headspace.
Although contemplative practices may not have a place in all professions or lifestyles, I think it is worth a shot for businesses and governments to try them out. All they have to lose is stress!
Photo Credit: http://www.mychicagotherapist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/stressed-out-man.jpg
