News Post

Mindful Monday: May 1, 2023
By Lynn Hogewood, JD, MA
Assistant Dean of Academic and Bar Success, Cumberland School of Law

A mindful moment can be as simple as pausing, noticing your inhale and exhale, and then proceeding into the next moment.  This pause allows you to be intentionally aware of the present.  When we cultivate a mindful practice, the scientific studies show that we reduce stress, we learn better, we are more compassionate and empathetic, we are less reactionary and judgmental, we more regularly operate with a peak mind, and we become equipped with tools that help us face challenges.

Today, take a simple pause… for less than 2 minutes:

Be aware of your surroundings.

Notice your seat in the chair or your feet on the floor.

Follow your breath as you inhale.

Follow your breath as you exhale.

REPEAT (up to 10 times) a slow inhale following your breath as it enters and a slow exhale following your breath as it exits.

As you exhale, remind yourself to relax your shoulders.

After the amount of time you choose to follow your breath, notice your seat in the chair or your feet on the floor.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Proceed into the next moment of your day.