#6

I found this article very interesting mainly because I practice yoga occasionally and meditation is a big part of that. I've learned the importance of controlling my breath and clearing my mind while holding difficult poses through yoga. I also took a course in high school on breathing techniques and meditation. In that class, we learned how to utilize different breathing techniques to help soothe stress and anxiety, give us energy, and ease us into sleep. I really benefitted from that course; if I ever have trouble falling asleep or if I feel myself getting stressed about something I find myself trying to slow my breath and suppress any thoughts for a few seconds. I found the part about not meditating the right way interesting because this has been a concern of mine in the past. I'm glad the article addresses this because there are times when I can only clear my head for a few seconds. Prior to reading this I never understood that there is no requirement for the amount of time spent meditating.


I truly agree with the pendulum analogy. I feel like there are good and bad things all around us but what matters is what you take away from it all. I definitely believe having balance can only improve your life all around. A balanced diet improves your overall health, balanced spending keeps you from wasting money, and balanced relationships keep you happy. I try to maintain my balance by considering all these ways I can stay balanced. I understand the things I have control over and other factors I have no say in. I try to accept things for what they are and make changes wherever I can. My friends and family help me to maintain my balance by encouraging a positive lifestyle and attitude. I plan to improve my studying habits this semester, my overall leadership roles next year, and most importantly I plan to maintain self-fulfillment and happiness over my next four years at Loyola.


This quote is very significant in my life. I have to remind myself that the only way change will ever happen is if I create it today. I struggle with procrastination at times and I think this quote is very important to keep in mind when that happens. This motivates me to make a change now before it’s too late. I think that too often we underestimate our abilities and put things off we don’t think we’re well-equipped for. However, Dubois says that “it is today that our best work can be done.” I don’t always realize my full potential and I need to apply this concept more often. Sometimes, I find excuses for why I can’t take action but really I am denying the possibilities of today and hoping for greatness tomorrow.