Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the awareness we achieve by “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally” (Kabat-Zinn, 1994, p. 4).
Mindfulness interventions and other contemplative practices have been found to have significant positive effects on many areas of our lives, including stress management, anxiety, depression, psychological distress, emotional regulation, academic performance (self-regulation of attention, academic self-efficacy, self-efficacy in learning regulation). Other research has found that mindfulness-based practices and interventions can improve your immune system and recover more quickly from illnesses. These benefits make mindfulness practices especially important and impactful for college students.
Mindful practices include habits that encourage:
- Movement
- Breathing
- Eating
- Body scan meditation
- Breaks
- Relaxation exercises
- Technology Use
There are several quiet, restful places on Denison’s campus that are conducive to contemplation. Denisonians identified their “serenity spots” on a campus map last year. Here are some of their favorite locations:
- Swasey Chapel
- Journaling room in Barney Davis
- Library Atrium
- Psych Library in Higley
- Cinema House
- Eisner Center
- Gilpatrick Meditation Room
- Higley-Communication Department
Mindfulness Programs
No experience is necessary. Come as you are, and leave feeling less anxious, rested, and more centered.
Mindfulness Training Through Koru
Koru is an evidence-based curriculum for teaching mindfulness, meditation, and stress management to college students and other young adults. Students commit to completing all four parts of the series, which repeat each month.
Daily Meditation
Offered daily in the Wellness Center, regular “Mindful meditation” helps students to focus on the present moment without judgment. Regular practice of mindful meditation helps to alleviate stress and enhance quality of life.
Yoga
At Hoaglin Wellness Center, we offer a diverse range of yoga classes designed to enhance your physical and mental well-being. Our offerings include Power Yoga, Flow Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, and Meditative Yoga, each uniquely tailored to connect with mindfulness and promote holistic health.
Other Campus Opportunities
Mindfulness Club
The Denison Mindfulness Club supports student, staff, and faculty well-being through mindful workshops, and contemplative spaces for communities of practice.
Mind & Life Institute
A national organization that partners with Denison to offer wellness and mindfulness workshops for the campus community.
Curated Resources
A curated list of campus-wide mindfulness resources is available at LibGuides.
WhattoDU
There are lots of ways to belong at Denison — more than 250 student groups are self-organized around identity, favorite activities, club sports, and more. Find your way to get involved!