Learn to be mindful

While watching her grandchildren play, Sue Sloop was fascinated by their actions. Everything they did was immediate or careless; they were not worried about what chores they had to do later in the day or what games they did not have time to play. Her grandchildren were only focused on living, and Sloop wanted to bring that feeling to Grand Valley.

Sloop, work life consultant, has organized workshops for faculty and staff members on mindfulness for the past several years. Mindfulness deals with focusing on the present and accepting one’s current situation. “It can be as simple as taking a minute out of your day to think about nothing,” Sloop said.

Training is not required to strive for mindfulness. Sloop said thinking and worrying about being mindful can interfere, and that it’s best to focus on relaxing. “We have to acknowledge that everyone is stressed at some point,” Sloop said. “We can’t be so busy multitasking that we forget about what’s going on internally.”

Mindfulness can help reduce stress levels, but it can also help improve efficiency and health. 

Faculty and staff members can participate in an introductory session, "The Practice of Mindfulness," which is offered throughout the semester (October 17, October 31, November 14, November 28 and December 12); all sessions run from 12:10-12:55 p.m. in Kirkhof Center, rooms 2215/2216.

Sue Dilsworth, Heart’s Journey Wellness Center, will guide participants through the basic principles of meditation and mindfulness. No prior meditation experience necessary. Participants do not need to register for all sessions. 

There is dedicated space in the Kirkhof Center, room 2243, that the campus community can use for personal prayer or meditation. It is open to students, faculty and staff members of all faiths and non-faith traditions.