Spiritual Places: Nature Walk

Never underestimate the power of a good walk. This week, feeling fatigued and exhausted, I decided to take advantage of the sunshine by squeezing in a relaxing walk in between my classes. Heading into the woods by Paradise Pond, I was alone, with only the snapping of branches underfoot and the occasional dog walker to keep me company. Here, in this solitude, I took a mini-vacation from the stresses and demands of being a college student.

The Power of Good Food

What’s a holiday without food? From Thanksgiving turkey to a fourth of July cook out, certain dishes are symbolic of a national holiday.  Regardless of what you celebrate, food is an opportunity to socialize with friends and family, to communicate love and a thinking of you, and to remember those who came before, from eating traditional cultural dishes to the passing down of family recipes.

Eating food with friends is a shared experience of community, where a tasty meal can often be an excuse for stories, laughter, and a much-needed break from academics. Here at Smith, take dinner seriously: close your books, head to your favorite dining hall, and engage in conversation with those around you.

Taking Time to Relax at Smith College: A Challenge for Smithies

There is a certain intensity that comes with being a student at Smith College. Heavy workloads, constant deadlines and to-do lists, plus endless meetings for extracurricular activities can all take a toll on the average student. There is, however, an extra layer of intensity added by the passionate and ambitious student body. While it is inspiring to be surrounded by such dedicated students, noted for their intellectual rigor and achievements, there can be a downside.

When everyone else is constantly racing on overload to do the most—to get the best grades, to apply to the best internship, to take on as many leadership positions as possible—slowing down and relaxing takes a backseat. Even the society we live in fosters the need to always be on the move, plugged in, working more, striving more, constantly on. What’s a Smithie to do?

A Moment of Peace and Understanding through Turmoil: A Buddist Meditation Experience

How many of you have participated in meditation? How many of you have attempted to meditate and found yourself struggling to silence the thoughts in your mind, or sit still for so much time?

After participating in Monday’s 5:00-6:00 p.m. Buddhist Meditation in CC 102, led by Sensei Ryumon Baldoquin, I find myself saying yes to both of these questions.

I have tried to meditate in the past, but could never quiet down the thoughts that kept buzzing around in my head, especially when I was stressed out. This past week, or month rather, was no exception. With a new school year, feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork as we all find ourselves at one point or another and personal turmoil as a writer who lost her confidence and other issues, I was an emotional mess who couldn’t find a moment of peace even when she tried.

But, that all began to change once I sat down and took time for this meditation.