The first step of a pathway into mindfulness is experiencing it for yourself.
Breathing Space Practice
Try this 3 Minute Breathing Space now.
After you finish listening, ask yourself:
- What did I notice?
- How is this different from how I normally pay attention?
- What am I experiencing in my body, thoughts, and feelings right now?
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the experience of developing particular awareness to the present moment without judgement. The practice of mindfulness includes drawing attention to the breath, the entire body, physical sensations, thoughts, and sounds. Exploring mindfulness comes in many ways and forms but is often associated with meditation, walking, and yoga or body movement.
Mindfulness has a place in nearly all faith and spiritual traditions but it not specifically tied to one religion nor is a religious practice in of itself. Mindfulness cultivates a path into developing awareness and response to the everyday stress of life. For thousands of years, students of mindfulness have understood the benefits and agency of these practices and now the latest neurological science also lends an empirical understanding as well.
The varied practices of mindfulness are as broad as they are deep and they are most fully supported in community settings backed by peer educators and staff expertise.
Where Do I Start?
Weekly Drop-In Meditation Communities
- Start a new meditation practice and be supported in a group setting with your peers! Led by students and staff. Each guided meditation or mindfulness practice is about 15-20 minutes long followed by some group discussion and time for questions. Open to all students, staff and faculty.
- Wednesdays (during the academic term) in Parkes 204
- Guided Meditation/Mindfulness Practice | 12:15-12:45 pm
- Fridays (during the academic term) in Parkes 204
- Mindful Movement | 3:30-4 pm (accessible to all levels and abilities)
- Guided Meditation/Mindfulness Practice | 4-4:30 pm (followed by snacks and community time)
mindfulNU
mindfulNU is a program designed for and by students to explore mindfulness and meditation in a supportive, reflective community. Together, we’ll practice meditation techniques like sitting and walking meditation, loving-kindness meditation, mindful writing, and group sharing.
Built on the gold-standard Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) approach, mindfulNU is co-created by students and staff to make mindfulness accessible and relevant to your life. After completing the program, you’ll even have the opportunity to apply to become a MindfulNU Student Facilitator and share what you've learned with others.
When & Where
mindfulNU runs for six weeks during Fall & Winter Quarters and includes a half-day retreat. Sessions are led by Eric Budzynski, Associate Director for Spiritual Wellness & Contemplative Practice and one of our Mindfulness Student Leaders.
Interested?
Stay in the loop about upcoming sessions by filling out our mindfulNU interest form. Your mindful journey starts here!
MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction)
- The complete and foundational 8-week curriculum is designed to guide participants into an ongoing practice of mindfulness through various modalities of meditation practice
- Usually offered only in Spring Quarter
- Find out more about MBSR.
For more information about mindfulness at Northwestern, or to schedule a 1:1 meditation coaching, contact Eric Budzynski at e-budzynski@northwestern.edu.