Room 80 – Palace of the Counts of Redondo – UAL
This Workshop aims to improve the well-being of students, and make them aware of the importance of being active, as it has benefits in their academic life but also in their future.
This workshop was designed especially for students, to promote a healthy lifestyle and awareness of the importance of practicing physical exercise throughout life. An active young person will be an adult, and later a senior, with a better quality of life.
The workshop will be led by Vanda Guerra, Professor at the João de Deus School of Education.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the process of consciously paying attention to our experience in the present moment. This is not something new. Forms of mindfulness have been practiced in different cultures and religions for millennia and can be found in Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Buddhism. However, it is a capacity that we have lost somewhat, as fewer and fewer people practice a religion, the speed of life has become faster and the amount of information we process in our daily lives has increased.
The term “Mindfulness” was popularized by a scientist called John Kabat-Zinn, who wanted to make this ancient and beneficial practice accessible to people, but without the need to be religious or have a specific faith. He defined Mindfulness as: “Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.”
When we are mindful, we actively choose where to place our attention. As we learn to practice mindfulness, it can be on our breath, our body, our thoughts or the sounds around us. Focusing on the present moment, on what is here now, without getting caught up in thoughts or worries about the past or the future. When our mind inevitably wanders, we must notice that it has done so and bring it back to where we are choosing to place our attention.
“Non-judgement” – refers to having an attitude of kindness, openness and curiosity towards what we notice when we focus our attention. This may include sensations in the body, emotions and/or thoughts. When we practice full attention, mindfulness, we perceive them in a kind and gentle way, without interpreting them as good or bad, just accepting what we notice as it is, a thought, a sensation or an emotion. It's as if we are a benign observer of our experience, without getting caught up in the middle or the drama.
Try it! Set a timer for one minute. During this time, focus on the sensation of your breath moving in and out of your nose or mouth. If thoughts, sensations or emotions arise, gently acknowledge them, but don't get caught up in them, and then gently return attention to your breathing. (It may take a few tries to get the hang of it).
PILATES – MINDFULNESS, PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL EXERCISE
As part of the Ambition Project, the Pilates Workshop that took place at UAL was attended by students. It was a moment of relaxation and relaxation, at the end of a morning of classes, paving the way for new well-being, motivation and confidence.
