UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A new workshop for students interested in prioritizing and understanding the intersection of mindfulness, flourishing and collective liberation will kick off on Sept. 12.
“Social Change Spotlight: Mindfulness and Collective Liberation” is a collaborative experience designed to introduce students to the connection between mental health, belonging and social change, while connecting them with resources and support across campus.
“Prioritizing mental well-being teaches students valuable skills such as self-awareness and emotional regulation,” said Alvaro De la Cruz Jr., senior assistant director for the Center for Social Change and Belonging at Penn State. “Students that prioritize mental well-being are more likely to form positive connections with peers, engage in social activities and maintain healthy friendships, which are vital for their overall happiness and sense of belonging.”
Hosted by the Center for Social Change and Belonging, Flourish Penn State, and Residence Life — all units of Student Affairs — the workshop will consist of a morning and afternoon session.
A morning drop-in session will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in 204 Boucke. Students can drop in for breakfast, participate in short mindfulness exercises and pick up mindfulness materials.
The afternoon session will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Flourish Suite in 102 HUB-Robeson Center and consist of a guided mindfulness session focused on the overlap between mindfulness, flourishing and collective liberation. Interested students can stop in during sessions with no registration necessary.
"I’m so excited for this collaboration between the Center for Social Change and Belonging, Residence Life, and Penn State Flourish,” said Marcelius Braxton, director of the Center for Social Change and Belonging. “We have heard from students, staff, faculty and community members that a key component of social change and belonging is being able to show up in spaces that honor their authentic self as well as their mental health and well-being. We want the entire Penn State community to feel included, respected and cared for."