Kathy Vanmeter wakes up before 7 a.m. most mornings. The first thing she does is open her door to let fresh air in, whether it is rain or shine. Sometimes she will walk outside barefoot to connect with the earth. For her, mindfulness is not only a way she begins her day, but a crucial aspect of her wellbeing.
After being married for over 40 years, Vanmeter and her now ex-husband got a divorce toward the beginning of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Since then, spirituality and mindfulness have become an essential part of her routine, coping with moving into a new home, creating new relationships, and getting over the divorce.
But Vanmeter’s ideals surrounding spirituality have not always been the same.
“I went to Catholic school from first grade all the way through high school,” Vanmeter said. “My idea of god growing up as a kid was that he was out there looking down, keeping an eye on everything that I did.”
It wasn’t until Vanmeter began reading spiritual books inspired by religions such as Buddhism and yogic philosophy that she began questioning some of what she believed.
“I don’t know how I broke out of that,” Vanmeter said. “It just was a slow process and sometimes I wonder because I’m still kind of the odd bird in the family.”
Spirituality is a way Vanmeter connects with herself and appreciates what she has around her. It helps her enjoy life more.
“Being mindful, and being grateful,” Vanmeter said. “I would say that gratitude is something that I’ve learned over the years.”
Second-year art and design major Sarah Tarquin expresses how discipline is the most challenging but also rewarding aspect of her mindful journey.
“I always remind myself how good it feels to do my mindful habits like journaling,” Tarquin said. “Overtime, it makes a significant difference in my mental health.”
Tarquin explains how discipline relates to consistency.
“Times when I journal multiple days or weeks in a row are the times I feel most connected with myself and at peace,” Tarquin said. “Though sometimes, scheduling it into my day can be a challenge.”
Second-year business major Emerson Filley finds that practicing mindfulness helps him to network and socialize with people more effectively.
“It helps me with stress reduction and meeting new people by being attentive and a good listener,” Filley said. “I find that I am in a more positive mind.”
To Vanmeter, spirituality isn’t about abiding by one particular religion.
“This sounds kind of corny but I say it’s all about love. It’s all about kindness, and it’s all about accepting people where they are,” Vanmeter said.
