Austin College’s “Marsupial Mindfulness” series continues in the spring term with four upcoming sessions. The series, which began in fall 2019, focuses on creative pedagogy, student learning, stress reduction, mindfulness, and a variety of helpful techniques in examination of mindfulness as part of the emerging field of contemplative studies in higher education, according to organizer Dr. Ivette Vargas-O’Bryan, professor of religious studies at Austin College. All sessions are free and open to the public.
Vargas-O’Bryan said that mindfulness or contemplative practices in secular and academic contexts focus on student reflection and introspection in an attempt to improve academic problem solving and understanding, as well as personal connection and awareness.
On February 11 at 11:15 a.m., Dr. Scott Langton, associate professor of Japanese and East Asian Studies at Austin College, and Dr. Vargas-O’Bryan, who specializes in Asian religions, will lead a workshop on “Reflective Calligraphy, Japanese, and Sanskrit” in Johnson Gallery on the second floor of Wright Campus Center.
Maria Silen, certified Qigong and Ayurvedic Yoga instructor and founder of Serene Harvest Yoga Studio, presents “Qigong,” on February 27 at 11:15 a.m. in Johnson Gallery of Wright Campus Center.
Silen began her Medical QiGong practice and training in 1996, and she later advanced to Medical QiGong instructor. Since 2002, she taught workshops and courses in the United States and Sweden. She has taught JanTerm courses at Austin College several times and teaches Yoga/QiGong classes at Grayson College. She is certified in the Tibetan Ayurveda yoga form. Additionally, she is a certified Reiki performer and Prana Karma therapist.
A March session features licensed psychologist Dr. Pittman McGehee, who is a certified teacher of Mindful Self-Compassion and Compassion for Couples and practices mindfulness-based private therapy in Austin, Texas. McGehee offers “Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Student Resilience” on March 3 at 11:15 a.m. in Wright Campus Center, Room 231.
Also a member of the faculty at The University of Texas at Austin, McGehee will share recent research that shows that self-compassion greatly enhances emotional wellbeing, reduces anxiety and depression, enhances coping, promotes health behaviors, and increases motivation. Participants of this presentation will learn skills associated with mindfulness and self-compassion within the context of the student experience. Attendees may bring their lunch to this brown-bag session.
The final session of the series features Austin College alumnus Kelby Archer, coordinator for the College’s Center for Environmental Studies. The 2009 graduate will speak about unusual life lessons learned on a gap-year road trip he took three years ago through the Western United States. He will present “Toward a Meaningful Life: Unconventional Advice from a Wanderer at Heart” on April 21 at 11:15 a.m. in Wright Campus Center, Room 255. Attendees may bring their lunch to this brown-bag session.
Marsupial Mindfulness has served as the 2019-2020 Cunningham Lecture Series. Mr. and Mrs. Shem Cunningham of Wichita Falls made a gift to Austin College to establish the Cunningham Lectures so that the Austin College community might benefit from the visits of distinguished speakers. Mr. Cunningham was a 1920 graduate of Austin College.
This event is co-sponsored by the Cunningham Lecture Series and “Live Well–Small Steps to Wellbeing Program” at Austin College. For information on this or other Marsupial Mindfulness workshops, please contact: Ivette Vargas-O’Bryan or John Williams.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with 46 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and more than 100 expert faculty members allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Austin College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.