To be completely frank, this blog post has been the most difficult for me to wrap my mind around. I rarely take notes on what is said and thus I have little content to reference, but I can reference my emotions and impact the contemplative practices have had upon my learning. Facing the Anthropocene can often be extremely draining when hearing of the heartbreaking damage caused upon the planet, seen in the Albatross documentary where fledgling birds lose their lives to our pollution, as well as quite possible collapse of life as we have come to know it. When speaking, reading, and writing about such grim and guilt-causing topics the heart and mind can quickly become overwhelmed. This is why I believe in the crucial nature of the contemplative practices which allow one to truly reflect upon what we have absorbed from class and quell the anxiety that causes the denial that plagues the human race. Being in tune with the room and each other grounds the material and reminds you that everyone present is likely experiencing similar emotions. The contemplative practices prevent me personally from checking out when the material reaches depressing topics. As someone who struggles with anxiety every day the contemplative moments allow my racing thoughts to slow so I may truly grasp class concepts. Again my apologies for the lack of references, but I believe that the point of the practices is not to take notes but instead feel the forces that connect all of us and allow yourself to embrace them.

These images all portray how meditation, mindfulness, and contemplation affect the brain and its reception of information as well as health.

https://www.lionsroar.com/this-is-your-brain-on-mindfulness/https://www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/mindfulness-improves-brain-health-neuroplasticityhttps://mashable.com/article/adhd-mindfulness-meditation