Mindful and Reflective Moments
On each episode of Mindful and Reflective Moments, members from the Vassar College community will share a mindfulness practice and how their practice sustains them during these uncertain times. This podcast originated as a daily, virtual mindfulness practice offered via Zoom. We started this project as soon as we transitioned to online learning. The intention of the project was to offer a moment to pause. After the semester ended, we received positive feedback! Members of the Vassar community valued our program and wanted more of these opportunities. We hope that you enjoy the podcast and find it helpful and meaningful! Mindful and Reflective Moments is a collaboration of Vassar College's Counseling Service, the Office of Health Promotion and Education, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices, and the Office of Student Growth and Engagement.
Episodes
15 episodes
Carlos Alamo-Pastrana - I Don’t Look Like a Dean: A Reflective Moment on Microaggressions
Join the Dean of Vassar College, Carlos Alamo-Pastrana as he reflects on an especially hurtful and racialized microagression he experienced during his college years; discusses “hierarchical microaggressions;" and offers one of the multitude of ...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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6:52
Halley Choy - "Progressive Muscle Relaxation"
Join Halley Choy, Moorhead Academic Coach at the Office for Accessibility and Educational Opportunity at Vassar College, as she leads you through a Progressive...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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6:32
Emily Schaffer '23 - "Gratitude Can Change Your Mindset"
Join Vassar junior Emily Schaffer as she explores the positive effects that instituting a gratitude practice can have on one's life, and provides examples of different methods tat can be used to help reduce levels of depression, stress, a...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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5:36
Luis Inoa - "A Meditative Reading"
Poetry and spoken word have long been meditative and empowering spaces for Vassar College Associate Dean of the College for Student Living and Wellness, Luis Inoa, known on campus as Dean Luis. Join him as he reads pieces from Morgan Harper Nic...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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7:50
Elizabeth Bradley, Kellyne Vaudreuil '23 - "A Technique for Calm: Five Senses Meditation"
Join Vassar College President Bradley and Wellness Peer Educator, Kellyne Vaudreuil '23, as they take you through a short Five Senses meditation designed to center your focus and promote calm.
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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5:23
Margot Schinella - "A Walking Meditation with the Health Services Director"
Get your beautiful body up and moving while you focus your mind with intention during this walking meditation, led by Vassar College Director of Health Services, Margot Schinella. You will learn some awesome facts about the body that helps to n...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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7:40
Wayne Assing - “Inviting Quiet & Stillness”
Research shows the benefits of mindfulness practices, such as: contemplation, meditation, gratitude and compassion practices. Join Wayne Assing, the Assistant Director of Vassar's Counseling Service, as he leads a guided meditative practice ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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27:01
Pia Behmuaras ‘23 - “A Flash of Meditation”
It’s difficult to find long periods of time to relax every day. With this episode, and just 5 minutes out of your day, you will get your heartbeat slowed down, breathing expanded, and overall energy lifted from stress or negative thoughts. W...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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5:32
Emily Schaffer '23 - "Mindfulness in Times of Uncertainty and Upset"
Right now, many of us are facing more challenges and uncertainties than ever before. Mindfulness can help to alleviate some of the difficult emotions and sensations that come with these challenging situations.
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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7:33
Wendy Maragh Taylor - “For The Beauty Of The Earth”
It can be challenging to find moments to pause and reflect. During difficult personal moments, nation-wide racial injustice, and, yes, even during a pandemic, we can find beauty all around us. Join Dean Wendy Maragh Taylor in a moment ...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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6:55
Jason Jin ‘22 - “Practicing Gratitude”
Gratitude is a fundamental human emotion, but it isn’t the easiest to practice in our daily lives. Join Jason Jin ’22 in this episode as he discusses the importance of being thankful and the impact it can have on our day-to-day interac...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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6:06
Shenette Scille - “Taking Back Your Breath”
Breathing is an innate ability that we as humans have. However, sometimes when we are experiencing stress, injustice, being in a constant mode of survival, and an intense sense of overwhelm, our natural rhythm of breathing is compromised. Th...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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17:15
Hannah Thompson ‘23 - "10 Minute Meditation for Body Relaxation"
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or otherwise drained? Take some time for yourself with Hannah Thomposon ‘23 as she leads you through a guided meditation for body relaxation. This 10 minute episode should leave you relaxed, invigorated and rea...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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11:01
Wendy Maragh Taylor - “You Are Enough”
Do you know you are valuable just because you are a human being? You can find joy in life apart from what you do. In a society that prides itself on productivity, we need to take a moment to consider and even adjust our mindset. Join D...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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5:47
Kellyne Vaudreuil '23 - "Moments of Visualization: The Open Expanse"
Welcome to Mindful and Reflective Moments. In today’s session, Kellyne Vaudreuil ‘23, will be leading a visualization/guided imagery meditation designed to help you slow down and be present- wherever you may be.
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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6:08