Course 1: Week 3: Connected Learning

This week we were asked to find something we wanted to learn how to do and make a plan to learn it. 

There is a lot going on in Asia at the moment and all I can think right now is something I need to re-​learn.

When I first joined ISHCMC there was a big push for this. It was fantastic. I jumped right in and meditated daily. It really helped with everything going on in this busy country I live in (Vietnam).

However, as the second year rolled along I haven't devoted myself to this as deeply. Every now and then I will listen to one as I go to sleep, but that is about it. We have a daily practice with the students, but (as distracted as that one usually is)... we have not had students since the middle of January. 

This truly is something my body and mind need to re-learn.

My Action Plan

Steps

Plan

Action (to be updated)

1. Evaluate the Resources

• Reconnect with the ISHCMC Mindfulness Coordinator
• Look at programs/sets that seem interesting in
  • Headspace
  • Calm
  • SmilingMind

2. Build a Habit

• Choose a sleep meditation every night
• Choose a meditation each afternoon after work (from a pack in the beginning, to build continuity
• As my practice becomes stronger, think about adding one to the morning as well.

3. Set Goals and Rewards

• Goal 1: Nightly mindfulness sessions
• Goal 2: Daily afternoon mindfulness sessions
• Goal 3: Daily morning mindfulness sessions

I am hoping the natural reward for this will be that I feel more calm and focused with everything on my plate at the moment.

4. Write Down Your Learning and Teach Others

• Record progress on here
• Track my mood in the Calm app
• Possibly keep a gratitude journal
• When students arrive back to school, hopefully I will have a larger toolbox to assist them with their mindfulness practices.

I believe this will help me empathize with my students because I am setting some goals, planning for action, and recording my evidence. Just as I ask them to do every week (or day). 

I will leave you with this video from Headspace about what happens when we take time to rest our mind.