McClatchy Tribune

Techniques to a peaceful state of mind on campus

There is free mediation instruction available on campus for students looking to reduce stress.

Instruction is offered every Monday at noon in the conference room in the Thomas Administration Building.

Dr. Leslie Weiser, a psychologist at the Health Center, is in charge of the mediation session. The focus of the class is mindfulness meditation, she said.

“Being aware of what’s happening with your mind helps to relax your mind and body,” Weiser said.

The class begins with instruction on how to meditate. Weiser teaches students how to breathe properly.

“You have to breathe from your belly,” Weiser said, “and never stop focusing on your breath. If you feel yourself getting lost in the chatter of your mind, you have to come back to your breathing and focus.”

Weiser said Meditating takes practice and people may find it difficult to block out the chatter of your mind and focus on the now.

“The first time I came to the mediating class it was harder than I thought it would be to focus on breathing and blocking out the thoughts in my mind,” Fresno State junior Luis Belman said.

“It has helped me a lot,” Belman said. “I’ve learned how I can control my thoughts, and it’s helped me reduce stress.”

Weiser said she has noticed an increase in the number of students she sees because of stress related issues. “I think people are more stressed this year with financial troubles and academic worries,” Weiser said.

Weiser said it is important to learn how to meditate and control your thoughts because it gives you peace of mind and clarity.

“It helps students increase the focus of their mind to have greater control over the experience caused by thoughts and feelings.”

On average four students attend each session.

Fresno State senior Marisa Wheelock said she had never heard of the service before.

“I’m going to check it out with my roommate because I know she could use all the stress reduction she can get,” said senior Marisa Wheelock.