Items

• 
  2022-05-20

  Online School Problems

  Having such a difficult school year before the pandemic hit, I initially couldn’t be more excited for this break from those all nighters. After getting the opportunity to recharge for a few weeks, finishing the school year was relatively easy. Summer flew by, and I soon realized that my entire junior year would be online as well. I quickly found the homogeneity to be unavoidable; I could sleep and attend school without moving more than a few feet. Each day was the same, a mechanical routine of jumping from Zoom meeting to Zoom meeting. Countless students would log into these meetings for roll call, and simply tilt the camera at the ceiling fan as they went out with friends or took a nap. It was easy to think this situation was just an obstacle to get past, another building block for the vision I had put in place for the years after high school. For me, this vision was about college, building knowledge towards my future career, and compiling a worthy resume. However, there was no reason I couldn't give value to this time period, to give meaning to each day such that they didn’t all blend together. From the daily differences in curriculum to the unique interactions of each period, I found these minute contrasts to be more significant. Realizing the importance of being mindful, even when little to no dynamic quality existed, allowed me to continue furthering my studies and interests. Looking back now, during a time when I have gotten accepted to one of the best schools I could’ve ever asked for, I think about how difficult that year and a half was for me, and how much harder the situation was for many other individuals. Again, the biggest lesson I learned was the importance of mindfulness. Whether it be a triumph or a tragedy, these life events should not be skimmed over like a mountain or trough to pass through. They are all lessons in some form, pieces of knowledge that should be taken with thought.
• 
  2020-11-18

  Mindful Covid

  A comic strip about Covid-19
• 2020-07-03

  "True Talk in Ten"

  "True Talk in Ten" is podcast about climbing out of 2020 with hope, gratitude, and authenticity. Judy shares interviews, stories, books, music, and mindful ways to approach the hard truths about our past, present, and future in the era of Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter. Judy Brewster is a 30 year educator and is currently an Elementary School Principal in Westchester County, NY. She is also a performing artist and community theater junkie. Give her 10 minutes, and she'll give you something to ponder in your classroom, at the office, in the green room, or around the fire pit! Stories are posted weekly.
• 
  2020-03-27

  Calm in the Time of Coronavirus

  Psychology Professor Susan Orsillo offers advice for practicing mindfulness amid the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19, and anxiety expert David Langer, also on the Psychology faculty, has tips for families as they cope with a host of fears and responsibilities during the coronavirus pandemic. "It is natural for us to feel anxious about COVID-19, given how quickly our routines have become disrupted," says Orsillo. "Many people are struggling with significant challenges: the illness of a friend or relative, financial struggles, balancing childcare with work, loneliness, and the disappointment of canceled plans. Practicing mindfulness involves acknowledging that these stressors are real and painful and being kind to ourselves."