Dear Dartmouth,

Welcome to October! We are continuing our exploration of our wellbeing framework with our second pathway of Engaging Mindfully. This pathway involves two related but distinct concepts: engagement and mindfulness. The act of engaging with your life has to do with the way you show up, and can even get caught up in certain experiences. Research on this topic often uses the term flow to refer to the state of being engaged.

Flow experiences can happen in many domains of your life, and you’ve likely had more than one by now. It may have involved losing yourself in different play- or performance-based activities (e.g. sports, arts and crafts, writing, connecting with nature), interactions (e.g. deep conversations, guided meditations, listening to music, teaching or learning), or even in taking a more intentional approach to enhancing your wellbeing.

Flow experiences can help you become more aware of activities and outcomes that are deserving of your energy and time – those experiences that build you up and connect with who you are. It can also be an important element in steering you toward majors and careers that fit you well because of the inherent connection to your interests and values.

Mindfulness also has much to do with awareness and presence. It’s about paying attention, in the present moment, on purpose, and non-judgmentally. Mindfulness is a skill that can be developed over time, and has been linked with a huge number of wellbeing outcomes. You have likely encountered mindfulness at some point in your life as well, and it is something that can continue to enrich your wellbeing as you grown in your ability to show up in this very particular way.

Cultivating your capacity to be fully present, here and now, for yourself and others can help you to be fully present in your academic, social, and professional areas of your life. Mindful engagement helps maximize every moment to its fullest potential, enables you become more accepting of yourself and others, and make choices consistent with the outcomes you most desire.

Ask Yourself (Reflective Questions)

• What experiences have I engaged with so fully that I lost track of time and simply felt the flow of the present moment? What was it about these experiences that made this possible?
• How often is my mind centered in the present moment, rather than being caught up in past events or focused on the future? What are the advantages or disadvantages of being past-, present-, or future-focused for me?
• What situations cause me to react instinctively, rather then mindfully responding? How would things be different if I was able to be more intentional in these moments?

Try This (Wellbeing Practices)

• At the SWC, we often use the STOP micro-practice as an introduction to mindfulness
• Get outside and try a walking meditation
• Take a moment and focus on your breath

Explore Further (Dartmouth Resources)

• Check out the many mindfulness and yoga resources available through the Student Wellness Center, including workshops, drop-in sessions, and live classes for all skill levels!
• Participate in sessions with the different mindfulness practitioner groups through the Tucker Center

Whether you prefer journaling, talking with others, or just contemplating things on your own, we encourage you to make some time to reflect on the questions above and select one of the practices to try over the next couple weeks. In our next post, we’ll share more about our third pathway: Connecting Authentically. Until then…

Take care and be well,
Todd