Mind Over Matter: Expert in Mindfulness Delivers Lessons in Wellness

What’s It All About?
Perhaps one of the best definitions of mindfulness comes from Jon Kabat-Zin, founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, who describes it as “paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally, to the unfolding of experience moment to moment.”

Life can be overwhelming, but there are techniques anyone can learn and implement to calm and quiet the mind during stressful situations. Simply put, prolonged stress without using techniques to manage it can be harmful to our physical and emotional wellbeing. As Dr. Alvizu shared her personal story of having a teenage daughter who suffered from anxiety and depression, the message seemed to resonate with our students. “I wondered why she was so unhappy and worried all the time. I wanted to help her and that led me to the discovery of mindfulness.”

For starters, Dr. Alvizu encouraged the girls to Stop, Think, Choose, and Respond in situations where a quick reaction could yield feelings of regret. “We are creating the movie of our life, and we are the actors. By being more aware of what we do and say, we can create the movie we want,” she said.

The girls also learned about the neuroscience aspect of mindfulness, which speaks to the anthropological evolution of the brain. From the developmental changes that occur within the first 25 years of life to the “Sixth Sense” of instinct that we feel as our experiences grow and guide us, Dr. Alvizu encouraged the girls to do a bit of self-reflection and take inventory of how their body responds in moments of excitement, fear and anxiousness, to name a few. “Pay attention to the present moment, because some of our worst judgments are about ourselves. Do not allow yourselves to be labeled by someone else. Be in control of you,“ she told the girls.

By practicing mindfulness mediation, we can calm ourselves during stressful situations. The benefits include increased attention span and concentration, more self-awareness, improved impulse control, and reduced stress levels.

Towards the end of her talk, Dr. Alvizu led the students in a mindfulness exercise before starting their busy day of classes. The girls were asked to sit upright, close their eyes and imagine calmness while practicing a steady breathing technique aimed at relieving tension. As the entire room settled into an aura of serenity, we could feel our bodies relax and accept the gift of living “in the moment.” Indeed, it was a great way to start the day!