On Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, College of Education and Languages, the Department of English Language held a national workshop entitled “Mindfulness for the Modern World”. The first session of the workshop was presented by Asst. Lect. Meram Salim Shekh Mohamad, an instructor at the Department of English Language. At the beginning of the workshop, she addressed the importance of mindfulness for modern humans in general and for teachers specifically focusing on the types of mindfulness and differentiating between mindfulness and mediation. Furthermore, she drew the audience’s attention to live in the moment and be mindful and conscious in their lives. The second session of the workshop was presented by Asst. Lect. Ala Beshank Ahmed, an instructor at the Department of English Language. She addressed the reasons why it’s beneficial for people to practice mindfulness, for instance, relieving stress, reducing anxiety, and depression. It has been proved by western psychology and medicine that mindfulness can not only help with psychological problems, but it can also help people who suffer from physical issues such as chronic illnesses. Moreover, it was mentioned that mindfulness can help people understand themselves and accept themselves the way they are and to be less self-critical of their appearance or their behaviors which can lead to healthier relationships with others as well. At the end of the workshop, the attendees were given pieces of coloring papers to take with them in order to practice this activity as a technique of mindfulness.
Workshop Outcomes:
1. Participants gained a deeper awareness of mindfulness, its significance in modern life, and its specific benefits for teachers and individuals.
2. The workshop helped differentiate between mindfulness and meditation, allowing participants to grasp the unique aspects of each practice.
3. Participants learned how mindfulness can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, supported by psychological and medical research.
4. Participants reflected on the role of mindfulness in self-acceptance, reducing self-criticism, and fostering healthier relationships.
5. The workshop inspired participants to incorporate mindfulness techniques into their routines, promoting long-term well-being.
Presenters’ Information:
1. Asst. Lect. Meram Salim Shekh Mohamad, an instructor at the Department of English Language.
2. Asst. Lect. Ala Beshank Ahmed, an instructor at the Department of English Language.
