LIVE: Mindfulness: How to Be More Present PDO

We all lead busy lives and it can be difficult to stay in the present moment when thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Join the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for this interactive course designed for all MCPS employees interested in learning more about mindfulness. Participants will explore the benefits of mindfulness, engage in a variety of mindful activities, and learn how to start a personal mindfulness practice. Register on PDO Course #92811, Section#: 138868.

If the sense of smell is unavailable to you, this PDO can be accessed with the sense of hearing.

Recorded: Sound Meditation

Relax at your leisure with Sound Meditation. Also known as a “Sound Bath” or “Sound Immersion, ” it’s any form of sound involving metal singing bowls, percussion, chimes, gongs, tuning forks, crystal bowls, intoning, voice, and/or chanting to create a soundscape in which to be able to meditate. During this recording, you will experience sounds and tunes produced by the instructor using the various instruments listed above. Sound immersions can be very calming and quite relaxing!  To prepare, bring a thick yoga mat or blanket, pillows, and anything you need to feel comfortable to lay down. Headphones are optional. View the flyer to learn more. The recording will be available until Thursday, October 31, 2024. 

Independent Practice: Simmering Potpourri Recipe

Simmering potpourri has many benefits, including a relaxing aroma that can calm and soothe, as well as hydrate and warm the room, and is allergy-safe. 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of cranberries

• 1-3 teaspoons of cloves

• 6 slices of orange, lemon, or lime

• 1 sprig of rosemary 

• 2 star anise 

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a pot with 4 cups of water and simmer. Add more water as needed.  View this recipe card.

Independent Practice: Reflect on a Favorite Scent

Did you know the sense of smell is linked to memory? Have you ever smelled something and been transported to a past experience? Regardless if your sense of smell is available to you, consider the following reflection prompts on a favorite scent: 

• What is one of your favorite scents? 

• What memories come to mind as you think about this scent? 

• What emotions does this scent bring up for you? 

• What people, animals, or places do you associate with this scent?

Learn more about how smell is connected to memories in this article by Harvard Medicine.