Kayla Langmaid/Winonan

The mind works in mysterious ways. Mindfulness Meditation, a one-credit course offered by Winona State University, aims to help students refresh the thought process and help maintain relaxation.

Gretchen Cohenour, theater and dance professor at Winona State, instructs mindfulness meditation.

The goal of meditation is to center and align the body, mind and spirit by being focused on observing yoga principles and embodiment practices, as well as simply focusing on breathing, Cohenour said.

According to Cohenour, meditating is especially beneficial for performing artists at any stage of development and can help ease many health issues including high blood pressure, anxiety and depression.

“As a performing artist, we can get so caught up in strength, movement and development, but all the training comes to knowing thyself, that way we can come to an integrated place,” Cohenour said.

In the beginning of the session, Cohenour allowed the class to become as calm and comfortable as possible.

“Dropping into present moment” is how the meditation process starts, and that is why being comfortable is key. When participants close their eyes, they slip into the present moment, allowing them to let go of negative thoughts and instead focus on positive thoughts.

Sessions include both sitting and walking meditation. Cohenour has also incorporated occasional readings into her sessions.  The readings come from authors of various cultures around the world and focus on interconnectedness.

Winona State student Maddy McKenna said, “I took this class because I thought it would be a good thing to learn now and use in the future.”

Meditation is also a very healthy way for students not to become too stressed. “I thought it was an awesome class, and I feel very peaceful now.”

Fellow student Spencer Klausing said, “It was a great way to escape the stress of the week.”

Cohenour said she encouraged students to sign up, and faculty members are welcome to participate. The practice class meets every Monday at noon until 12:50 p.m. in the dance studio in Memorial Hall.

Contact Kayla at [email protected]