English and freshman seminar teacher Sarah O’Neil is excited about the new course she is teaching this semester in Blair’s religion and philosophy department. In “Mind, Body, Spirit,” she is helping six students explore the practice of mindfulness and discover how staying connected to the present moment can lead not only to inner peace and better physical health, but ultimately, to the ability to do greater good in the world.

“The course is designed around the idea that your relationship with yourself and your ability to recognize what is going on in your mind is the foundation for everything in your life,” Ms. O’Neil said. Thus, she developed a five-unit progression in which students begin with a focus on mindfulness and then explore how their thoughts affect self-esteem, physical well-being, relationships with others and, finally, the perception and pursuit of happiness.

Students are delving into a varied reading list throughout the semester. They began with Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now and Michael Singer’s The Untethered Soul and will continue with other books, selections and articles. TED talks and inspirational and educational videos are among the online resources the class is utilizing. Ms. O’Neil regularly assigns written reflections and journaling, but breathing exercises and meditation are also important elements of the course. 

“I want to further develop students’ ability to read, write and think critically while, at the same time, offer them the space and time to practice what we are reading about,” Ms. O’Neil said. “These are tools that students will use throughout their Blair careers and beyond. As they become more mindful and peaceful, they will also become more productive and better students.”

Abby Schwartz ’21 has found “Mind, Body, Spirit” to be a relaxing, peaceful addition to her academic schedule, and through this course, she has discovered the rewards of introspection. “Mindfulness is so powerful in so many situations,” she observed. “Training our mind, body and spirit to look at situations under a positive light can help us achieve any goal and overcome any obstacle. I would highly recommend this course as it helps you look deep within and explore your most positive and peaceful self.” 

Having developed a mindfulness practice and realized its benefits in her life, Ms. O’Neil felt it was important to share what she had learned—and is still learning—with Blair students in a formal way, beyond her roles in Kathryn Hall dormitory and as varsity field hockey and lacrosse coach. She is grateful for the opportunity to teach “Mind, Body, Spirit” this semester and is looking forward to offering the elective again next year.

“The ultimate goal of the course is to have students take this more-connected and aware sense of self out into the world, share it with others and do good with it,” she reflected. “Taking the time to look inward and develop self-compassion may seem like a selfish undertaking, but it is actually the opposite.”