A growing body of evidence affirms that mindfulness meditation and other contemplative practices can help increase our ability to focus and concentrate while reducing our tendency to react, rather than respond, to stressful situations. When the mind is calm, we are able to bring greater awareness, sensitivity, and kindness to our everyday interactions and experiences. In this session, we will examine a range of contemplative practices to promote awareness and compassion in the context of cultivating civility and honoring diversity throughout our College community.

Presenter Eileen Abrams is an English instructor, Learning Lab tutor and a Faculty Fellow in the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL). She has presented programs at the College on contemplative practices for almost 10 years and facilitates a weekly mindfulness meditation group in the FCTL on Tuesdays from 1 to 1:45 p.m. All members of the College community are welcome to attend, and no prior experience is necessary.