Why are students being seen sitting together staring at the a wall in the Fine Arts building?
Cypress College is now a place of quiet meditation: a place where Cypress College students can take a breather from stressful class schedules and relax before they start their day.
Monday to Wednesday at 9:40am and Tuesday to Thursday at 8:40 am. Ed Giardina, interdisciplinary artist and professor at Cypress College leads his students in morning meditation in the Fine Arts building on the first floor. This particular meditation group is inspired by the teaching of Guru Rugu, a meditation leader at the Experimental Meditation Center of Los Angeles. Giardina posted on the Guru Rugu’s Facebook page about the upcoming meditation sessions which helped to inform students. Guru Rugu’s Facebook page also describes his work at the LA center.
But how many students know about this meditation time?
“I never knew that their was a meditation group here at Cypress,” said Leila Peidrafita, history major. “It’s nice to know that I have a quiet place to clear my head before my classes.”
Not many students know about the group, but many could use a place to sit before a stressful test, and not have to think.
“It was awkward at first, but it makes sense to press reset at the beginning of the day to focus more on our work,” said John Lee, Art major and a student of Giardina’s. “I think more classes should start meditating before class.”
According to Giardina, “There are so many studies suggesting the transformative power of meditation in classroom. Studies suggest dramatic changes in the individual student and the class as a whole. Test scores improve, retention, stress-relief, overall well being, and so much more”. Giardina also said, “meditation will be held throughout the rest of the spring semester.” This definitely helps for students who are short on time and still trying to figure out their courses and catch up on homework.
“I am hoping it becomes an in-between place for us as a class. A place to enter school and a place to leave the other parts of our lives… a place, thing, activity that hones our focus,” said Giardina. Just make sure to bring a pillow!
