Written by Ericka Asmus ’24
Happy Week 9! As a ‘24 seasoned Dartmouth student, I know how hard this time of term can be. Here I suggest a few quick tips (based off of my five-minute article that came out last week) for practicing Everyday Action!
- In order for you to train your mind, you must make yourself more vulnerable (much like how when working out, you need to make your body uncomfortable to grow stronger), and allow others to be vulnerable too. It is important to find a community that you trust to do this important work–it could be friends, a religious group, Greek life…whatever feels right!
- Journaling can be an effective way to solidify your progress, whatever that looks like for you. I find it helpful to approach journaling without judgment, and overtime you will find out what methods work best for you!
- Find voices that move you, and integrate them into your life! I keep sticky notes on the walls of my room where I know I’ll look, reminding me of the values I strive to live by. You can also use apps like Headspace, which send daily reminders to be mindful.
Sometimes, you get so stuck in your own cycles of thought that you don’t even realize there is another, potentially healthier, perspective out there. The first step in discovering these cycles is being mindful (journaling and meditation are great for this) and opening up your heart to others. For example, I know many of us high-achieving students beat ourselves up over lots of stuff. Realizing that there is another way of thinking that isn’t shaming yourself for needing rest, or indulging in a dessert, or just for being who you are, is a difficult but important first step towards radical self love.
Ericka Asmus ’24
Reflection Question: What is something you are working on now that can be broken down into smaller, manageable steps?