These charming mindfulness stickers, given to students from Baylor’s Office of Professional Practice, are a fun and easy way to practice mindfulness — “breathe in, hold, breathe out, hold” and repeat.
by Theo John Milton
In today’s fast-paced world, everyday decisions and obligations can feel overwhelming. But what if a simple yet powerful tool existed to help manage it? Chris Asikis, a staff clinician at the Baylor Counseling Center, believes mindfulness is just that, and he explained how to unlock its power in a presentation at Baylor School of Education’s School Safety and Wellness Summit, a professional learning seminar for seniors who are beginning a full year of student teaching.
Asikis presented a compelling case for the future teachers that mindfulness is an important tool to reduce depression and anxiety. His research-backed presentation offered practical techniques to help the young professionals cultivate a more mindful approach to their daily lives and their profession as a teacher.
Campus safety officers from La Vega, Midway, Robinson, and Waco ISDs spoke about school safety protocols to the students assigned to their respective districts.
The School Safety and Wellness Summit is an annual seminar that addresses campus security issues as well as wellness issues. Seniors in the School of Education are “Clinical Teachers” on a school campus, where they are in the classroom full-time four days a week with a mentor teacher. Campus safety representatives from each participating district met with Baylor students assigned to their district, sharing the specific protocols related to campus safety issues and allowing students to ask questions.
Author Adam Sáenz — a renowned psychologist with two doctorates and a Harvard Medical School, Brown Medical School, and Oxford University education — also joined the seminar as a special guest. The author of “The Power of a Teacher,” Sáenz emphasized the crucial role of a teachers by sharing his personal journey. Influenced by support from his own teachers, he emphasized how teachers can inspire and encourage their students. All of the Baylor students received a copy of his book. Sáenz also noted the importance of mindfulness for educators in finding balance.
Dr. Kylah Clark-Goff, Assistant Dean of Educator Preparation Programs at the School of Education, expressed her gratitude for the support provided to Baylor clinical teachers. Clark-Goff said, “Through the valuable resources provided by Dr. Saenz and Mr. Asikis, Baylor clinical teachers have access to books, a website with wellness modules, and the amazing content they learned and experienced in the seminar.” She emphasized the importance of mental and emotional well-being in the demanding field of education, praising the resources offered by Saenz and Asikis. “We are incredibly grateful for the expertise of these individuals who provided such outstanding and useful coaching,” she said.
Baylor’s Chris Asikis gave SOE seniors helpful information about practicing mindfulness as a way to prioritize their wellness.
Asikis said mindfulness is about being present and knowing where one is in that moment.
“It’s the ability to understand what’s happening in your head without getting carried away,” he explained.” By being mindful, we can learn to respond wisely to situations rather than mindlessly. While mindfulness won’t solve all our problems, it’s a superpower accessible to everyone.”
Mindfulness isn’t a new concept; it has its roots in ancient Eastern philosophies. However, scientific research in the past decade has provided compelling evidence of its benefits, increasing its popularity in Western society. Studies have shown that regular mindfulness practice can:
- Reduce anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation
- Improve focus and concentration
- Enhance empathy and compassion
- Strengthen the immune system
To practice mindfulness, Asikis advises finding a quiet, undisturbed space and dedicating time to observe the present moment. Using that time to pay attention to thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment is essential.
“By letting go of labeling emotions as good or bad, you can observe them without reacting,” Asikis added, “If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the present moment. Remember, mindfulness is a skill that takes practice, so be kind to your wandering mind and don’t get discouraged.”
Everyone is different, Asikis said, so different tactics work for different people. The key is to make a valiant and consistent effort every day and give various tactics a try.
Mindfulness can be incorporated into many aspects of your life, such as:
- Mindful eating: Pay attention to your food’s taste, texture, and aroma.
- Mindful coloring and drawing: Focus on the colors and shapes.
- Mindful movement: Pay attention to your body’s sensations as you walk, run, or do yoga.
Mindfulness can be particularly helpful for teachers in managing the constant decision-making and stress of the profession.
“Teaching can be demanding and emotionally taxing.” Asikis said. “To navigate these challenges and find fulfillment in your career, it’s essential to prioritize your own wellbeing.”
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ABOUT BAYLOR SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
For more than 100 years, the School of Education has advanced Baylor’s mission across the globe while preparing students for a range of careers focused on education, leadership, and human development. With more than 65 full-time faculty members, the school’s growing research portfolio complements its long-standing commitment to excellence in teaching and student mentoring. Baylor’s undergraduate program in teacher education has earned national distinction for innovative partnerships with local schools that provide future teachers deep clinical preparation. Likewise, the School of Education’s graduate programs have attained national recognition for their exemplary preparation of research scholars, educational leaders, innovators, and clinicians. Visit the School of Education website to learn more.
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.