Discovering Mindfulness: My Journey at UMass

Discovering Mindfulness: My Journey at UMass

For most people, college can be one of the most overwhelming experiences of their life. Spending countless hours studying, taking exams, and trying to manage a social life is no easy feat. During my time at the University of Massachusetts, I discovered a tool that helped me stay present and focused throughout my college journey: mindfulness.

Mindfulness is defined as the practice of being present in the moment and fully engaged in the present experience, without judgment. It’s a practice that dates back thousands of years, but has recently gained popularity in the Western world for its ability to reduce stress, improve focus, and increase overall well-being.

During my first year at UMass, I struggled with anxiety and stress. I found myself constantly worrying about the future, and couldn’t focus on the present moment. My grades began to suffer, and I knew I needed to make a change. That’s when I stumbled upon a mindfulness class at the university’s health center.

The class was taught by a licensed therapist and consisted of weekly sessions where we learned various mindfulness practices, such as breathing exercises and body scans. At first, I was skeptical. How could something as simple as focusing on my breath help reduce my anxiety? But as I began to practice, I noticed a significant difference in my stress levels.

One of the most profound benefits of mindfulness is its ability to cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the present moment. As a college student, it’s easy to get caught up in the endless to-do lists and deadlines. Mindfulness helped me slow down and appreciate the little things in life, such as the beauty of nature or a conversation with a friend.

In addition to the weekly mindfulness class, I also started to incorporate mindfulness into my daily routine. I would take a few minutes each morning to set intentions for the day and practice deep breathing before beginning my work. I also found it helpful to take short breaks throughout the day to do a quick body scan or listen to a guided meditation.

Through my mindfulness journey, I discovered that being present in the moment doesn’t mean you have to ignore your thoughts or feelings. In fact, mindfulness taught me to acknowledge my thoughts without judgment and accept them for what they are. This awareness helped me become more self-aware, and ultimately led to a deeper sense of compassion and empathy for myself and others.

In conclusion, discovering mindfulness during my time at UMass was a life-changing experience. It helped me manage stress, improve focus, and cultivate a sense of gratitude for the present moment. If you’re struggling with anxiety or stress, I highly recommend giving mindfulness a try. Whether it’s through a class, guided meditation app, or daily practice, mindfulness has the power to transform your life.