Mindful relaxing for a mind full of work

Skylar Siegel / Contributing writer

Students’ minds are often racing about all they have to do for classes and work, and they do not always take the time to relax and breathe in order to focus on what they are doing at that moment. This is why Mindfulness Meditation may be able to lend a helping hand.

Every Tuesday from 12 to 1 p.m. on the Biscayne Bay Campus, room 246B in Academic II,  Jose Miranda, clinician in the Office of Employee Assistance, coordinates Mindfulness Meditation, which is a meditation that focuses on the present moment, open to all faculty members and students.

“We want to help reduce students’ and faculty’s stress levels by helping them take an hour out of their busy week to focus on the present moment,” said Miranda.

Mindfulness meditation is free for all students, offered at both BBC and the Modesto Maidique Campus.

At MMC, the group meets Wednesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. in room 314 of the Graham Center.

According to Miranda, the meditation is getting more popular at MMC; around five to seven students usually attend.

There are no students involved at BBC yet, only faculty members. They are looking for new students.

In mindfulness meditation, attendees can lead the group with their own personal meditations. Students and staff can share quotes or personal experiences throughout the hour-long session.

If not, a digital recording gives directions to participants through the breathing exercises and calming tones.

The meetings are held in a small room with one couch and three chairs, leaving enough room for about seven people.

“Through mindfulness meditation, stress relief is achieved,” Miranda said.

He explained that the meditation does not focus on judgment, the future or the past.

“We emphasize living in the moment, letting everything you may have been worried about before you came leave your mind,” said Miranda.

Stress can become dangerous for students when it interferes with their ability to concentrate and can even affect their mental health, Miranda said.

“We have been holding these mediation meetings for over a year now,” said Miranda. “And although we began at MMC, we really want to raise awareness at BBC to get more students involved.”