Learning by H.E.A.R.T.: Meditation

Headspace. Source: Headspace.

Research shows that one of the fastest ways to grow your attention span is to practice meditation, so I wasn't surprised to see an entire section of Learning by HEART's page on attention devoted to meditation and mindfulness. Recently, I downloaded an app called Headspace that guides its users through meditation. It starts out with shorts intervals of time and works up to extended periods of time. I haven't gotten to use it as much as I would like with school being so demanding but this summer I hope to become a meditation master! Headspace has excellent reviews and I have enjoyed it thus far so I would definitely recommend it.

Headspace calls itself a "gym for the mind." As you can see depicted below:

Headspace. Source: Headspace. 

Learning by H.E.A.R.T.: Time Management

For this week's Learning by H.E.A.R.T. post I chose to share some time management inspiration. With finals coming up, time is of the essence and there is no room for procrastination. I am definitely guilty of procrastination but I am making a vow to myself this year not to wait until midnight to start studying... I am that person!

Source: Learning by HEART.

Learning by H.E.A.R.T.

For this week's Learning by H.E.A.R.T. Challenge, I chose to watch John Spencer's video, We Need a Bigger Definition of Creativity. He is so right that we have a very narrow-minded definition of creativity where we see only those who are painters or writers as "creative." He says that in actuality, creativity can mean mashing up ideas into innovative ways, thinking differently about data, finding unique solutions to practical problems, tweaking things in unusual ways, or even hacking systems. It can mean exploring ideas, navigating information, and designing systems. Especially as an accounting major, this video gave me lots of hope to lead a creative life. Watch it here:

Learning by H.E.A.R.T. Challenge

I am always trying to do one thing a day to make myself a better person or just for my own well-being. This could be as simple as enjoying a mug of warm tea. Some days I will practice yoga - this is one of my favorite options but this semester has been too busy for me to get to do it often. And sometimes, I volunteer, which is always so fulfilling. You can even try the whole "pay it forward" idea where, for example, you could buy the person in line behind you at Starbuck's coffee and hopefully they will in turn do something nice for someone else. And even if they don't, at least you made someone else's day a little better. So when I ran across this image on Professor Laura Gibbs' Learning by HEART blog, I was very excited.

Source: Learning by HEART.

I just love everything about this picture: read books, limit television, stay close to friends and family, let your heart be your guide. And I am a HUGE advocate of exercise. I have to exercise or else I get so cranky - it's actually crazy what I big difference it makes in my life!

Learning by H.E.A.R.T. Challenge

For this week's Learning by H.E.A.R.T. Challenge, I chose a time management strategy called the Pomodoro technique. This week's to-do list seems never-ending so I am going to put this technique to work and will get back to you next week to let you know it went. One thing I was wondering is if there is any specific reason why you should take a longer break between every 4 pomodoros?

Pomodoro technique. Source: Learning by HEART

Learning Challenge: Grant Snider's Interior Life

This is so true!! This is what yoga is all about and what we learn about in my yoga teacher training. People are very surprised to learn that the physical aspect of yoga is miniscule compared to the mental and emotional aspects. 

Source: Learning by HEART

An unkept mind can be very dangerous to our mental health, especially that "I'll deal with it eventually" space where we push everything that we don't want to deal with when in reality we should be dealing with it head on! This is much easier said than done but it doesn't hurt to TRY.

Learning Challenge: What Kind of Reader Are You?

I'm not sure how I feel about this but I am a neurotic reader. I love reading but I get bored of books very easily, which means that I usually read the beginning of books many times... It's just hard to find ones that really hold my attention for their entirety. If you would like to see a list of my favorite books that I may or may not have gotten through on my first try, see my post on the ten books I would bring with me to a deserted island.

Source: Learning by HEART

Please share the kind of reader you are in my comments below!

Learning Challenge: Deserted Island Books

1. The Bible: A necessity for me and also a book that I don't think I could ever study enough.

2. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling: I am one of those people who has trouble reading the same book twice but Harry Potter never gets old to me.

3. Switch On Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf: This self-help book is revolutionary. I think it would be a valuable read for anyone. Dr. Leaf explains how you can make real changes by simply changing your mindset.

4. A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller: A go-to book for me when I need some inspiration.

5. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson: A fascinating biography.

6. American Sniper by Chris Kyle: Although I normally wouldn't like a book about war, this book is very moving.

7. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo: Long and complex but such a beautiful book.

8. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: I just love this book and also the movie.

9. The Giver by Lois Lowry: I am a sucker for sci fi or anything that can capture my imagination, and this book really sparks a lot of thought!

10. Not That Kind Of Girl by Lena Dunham: Just a very honest memoir that left me laughing out loud!

Books. Source: Wikipedia

H.E.A.R.T. Learning Challenges

I love the idea of H.E.A.R.T. and I am excited to try out the learning challenges. By creating a balanced life around the H.E.A.R.T. concepts, a well-rounded life should come easily.

Health/Happiness

Too often, mental health and happiness go unchecked. For many, it is normal to spend money on clothes and personal trainers yet some don't see counselors or guidance as "worth the money." Why does our society put so much emphasis on the exterior rather than what's inside?

I know that gratitude is a huge part of happiness so here is a quote that I took a picture of, which reminds me to always be grateful:

(personal photo)

Which reads:

"I have learned silence from the talkative, 

Toleration from the intolerant, 

And kindness from the unkind; 

Yet strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers."

Empathy

Empathy is essential to a happy society - we must be able to understand and feel what others are going through.

Attention

Especially in this age of distraction, focus and attention are challenges that I specifically face. 

Reading

I know the importance of reading for a sharp mind and vivid imagination yet it is rarely a priority for me. That is why my New Year’s resolution is to read more.

Time

I'll own up to it - I am a procrastinator! I try to get things done early but no matter what it seems like I am just finishing a task as soon as it is due. This causes me to be late often, something that I am trying to work on.

The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali

Source: Wikipedia

I always loved this painting - it can be interpreted in so many different ways! For me, I see time slipping away and how the perception of time can vary from person to person, as from culture to culture. I prefer a more relaxed and non-western time orientation where everything isn't so rushed; however, timeliness is imperative in the United States.