Mindfulness

Tools for mindful living. 

Mindfulness is a powerful tool to help you stay calm, focused, and on track for academic success. 

Continue reading to learn more about how you can explore mindfulness at UMass.

 

 

Benefits of mindfulness include:

Feeling more calm, happy, and relaxedBetter sleep
Reduced anxiety and depressionStronger immune system
Improved concentration, focus, and academic performance 

 

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally focusing on the present moment – to thoughts, physical sensations, and the environment with an attitude of kindness and compassion to ourselves and others.

Mindfulness is now being examined scientifically and has been found to be a key element in happiness.

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Vipassana Meditation Center – Dhamma Dharā

Vipassana Meditation Center (VMC)

The Vipassana Meditation Center (VMC) of Shelburne, MA offers twice-monthly, 10-day residential, silent meditation retreat courses, including food and lodging, at no charge on a voluntary generosity basis. VMC, in partnership with UMass Amherst, reserves retreat spaces for UMass students, faculty, and staff to bypass the normal waiting list. Identify yourself as a UMass student, staff, or faculty member in the application. Applicants identifying as socially underrepresented are also given preference.

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Two people meditating

UMass Student Meditation Group

Choosing to spend even a few minutes to slow down and contemplate may benefit your health in many ways. Perhaps this is between classes, during lunchtime, or whenever a free moment opens up.

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Worcester Commons Contemplative Room

Contemplative Room information

While many forms of meditation can be practiced anywhere, you may find a dedicated space to be helpful. The Contemplative Room in Worcester Commons offers space for students, staff, and faculty to meditate, contemplate, pray, or simply be in the moment. 

The Contemplative Room is located on the third floor in Worcester Commons (room 355) and is open Mondays through Saturdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the semester.

Check out this video for directions to the Contemplative Room in Worcester .

Drop-in Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., as well as any time on Saturdays and Sundays unless the space is already reserved.  Be sure to check the calendar below to check availability.

To reserve this space, please fill out the Contemplative Room Request Form.

Please do your part to maintain the Contemplative Room by engaging in the following to the best of your ability and comfort:

  • Remove your shoes before entering and feel free to use the coat rack for your jacket, etc.
  • Be respectful of others who are using the space.
  • Abstain from talking (outside of group events), using any disruptive electronics, working, doing homework, or other activities outside of the intended use of the space.
  • Feel free to use any of the mats, cushions, chairs, and back jacks. Please put them back when you are done.
  • Do not bring any food or drink into the room.
  • Leave the room as you found it before departing.

If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, email April McNally ([email protected]).

 

10 Easy Ways to Be Mindful

  • Silence your phone and put it out of sight.
  • Get creative. Write, draw, doodle, or paint.
  • Take three slow, deep breaths.
  • Say thank you to someone and really mean it.
  • Mix up your routine and do something differently.
  • Watch something in nature.
  • Walk a different route and pay attention to what’s around you.
  • Imagine yourself in a peaceful and soothing place.
  • Try a new food. Eat slowly and experience the taste.
  • Perform a simple act of kindness.