A red-winged blackbird chirps in a nearby tree, dew from the cold autumn morning sparkles in the sunlight, and footsteps scrape in the nearby sand. Every morning, the Mindfulness Club members meet at the potted trees outside the BC connector at 8 A.M. to start the day with a fifteen-minute silent meditation.

Whether it be to reduce stress caused by college applications or give myself mental clarity before a big swim meet, meditation has helped me deal with the daily stresses of life. After the meditation, we talk about what we are struggling with and any recurring thoughts we are having. My favorite part of these conversations is that I often learn that I am not the only one who worries about things like running out of time to complete assignments or how I did on a big test. It often feels reassuring to be reminded that you are not alone in your fears and anxieties.

Meditation helps us focus on what is happening to us internally and externally. When you sit alone and breathe, you start to pay attention to your thoughts and the emotions they elicit in you. Being aware of those emotions can help you better deal with them. Meditation can have many benefits for both your mental and physical health, so come on out to participate in morning meditations with the Mindfulness Club. Everyone is welcome!