It is the first time that I experience a contemplative practice during class. I was already familiar with similar practices, mostly used to learn how to manage stress during high sportive events.  Indeed, I was curious to try it in a new environment far from the goal of reducing stress on a tennis court.

My goal in such practice, which can be different for everyone, was to gain more productivity on the long run. For instance, our time class is 1 hour and 20 minutes long. I notice that 50% of the times, I watch the clock for the first time exactly 37 minutes after the class has begun. This time, which can vary to a few minutes, correspond to the time that I begin to lose my focus. Then, 10 minutes later, after fighting to stay active in my listening. I simply start to have an idea which brings to another one and so on. Suddenly, I get back to the present moment. But, 5 minutes are gone, I have no idea or memories or what just been said, and I am quite tired. However, when a contemplative practice happens before this period of inattention, I refresh my mind and start how I begun, which means, ready to learn.

To conclude, I see the contemplative practice as a great cut in our class or in any intellectual activity that requires intellectual implication to get a refresh mind, and being ready to learn. However, it depends on people, not everyone like it at the same moment. Also, if we start with a skeptical mind or preconception, it can be hard to find it interesting or relevant (I was personally in this case). Hence, it is important to choose the right moment and be willing to do it for yourself rather than do it as a work.  In a sense it works like hypnotism, you need to let you guide to be able to successfully doing it.