Chaplain hopes to create culture of mindfulness
From the News Leader:
At Stuart Hall, students begin each day with an assembly that includes morning announcements, reminders and breathing exercises. They also practice mindfulness at chapel every other day, which the chaplain said is not only an opportunity for students to check in with themselves but also a way to incorporate spirituality without alienating members of the school’s diverse student body.
Plus, the practice may help ground students who feel pressure to perform in a high-achieving environment. Simply telling them not to worry about tests or applying to colleges often isn’t effective, but giving them tools to manage stress and anxiety could be beneficial in the long run, Gwin said.
“It’s what I call an achievement-free zone. No one’s going to win at chapel. It doesn’t go on your resume. It’s not part of your grades at the end of the semester,” he said. “What I like to say is that it’s a place to make sure that your head is where your feet are.”