What attracted you to Koru?

I’ve been interested in meditation and motivated to learn about it since reading about how Phil Jackson, the former coach of the Chicago Bulls and LA Lakers, had used it in his own life and in coaching his championship teams. When I heard it was being taught at Duke CAPS, I was immediately interested, but I was always put on the wait list. I became further motivated to find a way to get into the KORU class when my dad, who is a psychiatrist, stumbled upon Holly Roger’s and Margaret Maytan’s book on Amazon and recommended it to me.

What does mindfulness mean to you?

Mindfulness to me means being more aware of your subconscious/automatic thinking and actions. It is important to me because it helps me control my mind so that I can put things in perspective and so that I can consciously make an effort to think positively and accurately.

How do you find yourself using mindfulness in your daily life?

Often times I may have a negative inaccurate thought, and then I will realize that I had that thought and consciously try to more accurately evaluate it.  I also enjoy good weather, various sights and the smell of the flowers outside more than I have done in the past.

How has the practice of mindfulness influenced your life?

It has made me enjoy various aspects of life more, and to better control my thoughts during the course of the day.