Sunday Journal Prompt

“For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” 

― Lily Tomlin 

While habits like cardiovascular exercise and healthful eating are widely known to benefit our health, not everyone is aware of how much slower-paced, contemplative practices can support us. Specifically, they can help us calm our nervous systems, and foster inner strength and resilience; in some cases, they can promote a sense of peace and spiritual development, especially when they become part of our routine.

University students enrolled in my freshman seminar course entitled “How to Live a Fulfilling Life” are asked to spend at least twenty minutes experimenting with two new-to-them personal practices and then later write about their experiences. Their choices include mindfulness meditation, yoga nidra meditation, walking meditation, tea meditation (sensory awareness and mindful drinking), tai chi (meditation in motion), shinrin-yoku (slowly walking through a forest), hatha yoga (gentle flowing poses), prayer and journaling—or they are welcome to propose other contemplative practices. 

What new contemplative practice would you consider trying? How might you integrate it into your day?