Quotes and Sayings: A Contemplative Practice

Instructions

Preparing for This Practice

• Begin to collect quotes or sayings related to topics of human significance and social justice.
• Keep them written on index cards in a box or file to use during this contemplation practice.
• Choose quotes or sayings that reflect a wide range of cultures and identities.

The Practice

• If leading a group, begin by inviting participants to find a comfortable place to sit on the floor, or on a chair. Then introduce the practice:
  • For this activity, we are going to use a quote [choose your own or provide a range of quotes to participants] by Arundhati Roy, from her novel, The God of Small Things: “Change is one thing. Acceptance is another.”
• Invite group members to set an “intention” for this practice.
  • An intention directs your attention and energy to an outcome. The outcome is typically a disposition, virtue, or state of being.
  • Sometimes we connect an intention to a particular problem we want to solve, such as thinking about how to resolve a conflict with a boss or colleague.
  • An intention of this nature would take the form of a statement such as: “Using Insight in order to better understand how to handle ______.”
• Repeat the quote or saying out loud several times.
• Engage in a brief mindfulness practice. (Set the timer for 5-7 min.)
  • Sit in a comfortable position. It can be on the floor, on a chair, or on a pillow. Many people choose to cross their legs if that is comfortable for you.
  • Let your hands fall to your knees and rest them there gently, palms up.
  • Alternatively, you can hold your hands together and rest them in the center of your lap. Some people like touching the tips of their fingers together creating a triangle or another shape.
  • Breathe deeply thinking about the air flowing in and out of your nostrils. Fill up your lungs completely before exhaling.
  • After taking a few deep breaths, breathe naturally again, keeping your attention on the feeling of air moving throughout your body.
  • When a thought enters your mind, distracting you from your breath, gently tell it to move on. If the thought feels urgent, tell it that you will go back to it later.
  • Once you experience a greater sense of calm, repeat the quote to yourself a few times; then stop.
  • Be gentle with yourself. Clearing the space in your mind and focusing on one thing takes practice.
  • When the timer goes off, open your eyes (if they are closed) or look at the front of the room.

Responding to The Practice

• Respond to the following questions in writing:
  • What does this quote mean to you?
  • How does it apply to your practice?
  • What questions do you have now?

Closure: Debriefing the Process

• Reflect on the following questions individually or with a partner:
  • What was your perception of the passing of time? Did it feel long or did time pass quickly?
  • What kind of thoughts, feelings, images were occupying your mind?
  • In what ways was this experience surprising or challenging?

Source

Adapted from Mindful Practice for Social Justice: A Guide for Educators and Professional Learning Communities by Raquel Ríos, Copyright @ 2019 Taylor & Francis, Used with Permission

Evidence That It Works

In a study of university students who took a course featuring contemplative pedagogy, participants who used contemplative reading practices reported gaining deeper insight into themselves and the content.

Further, a growing body of research suggests that teachers are experiencing positive outcomes from practicing mindfulness. Teachers who practice mindfulness may experience greater well-being, awareness, focused attention, and resilience.

Why Does It Matter?

Working in the field of education is one of the most inherently meaningful forms of work we can do. In fact, many people choose this field because they want to make a difference in the lives of children and in the world in general. Yet, this sense of meaning can be lost in the daily stressors of the classroom or the educational system itself.

When educators take time to slow down and reflect on their values and the meaning behind their work, their well-being may increase and they may be more likely to foster a greater sense of trust and purpose, together.