Mindfulness Training for Journalists

September 10, 2015
Columbia Journalism School
2960 Broadway
New York, NY, 10026, United States

Covering violence, conflict, and tragedy -- whether on the front lines or behind a desk -- pose profound challenges to journalists. These challenges, combined with technological, commercial and social factors, can make it difficult to manage the everyday stresses of an already demanding profession, and can leave more profound injuries in their wake. 

To help news professionals address these challenges, the Dart Center hosted a special half-day workshop on mindfulness practice on September 10, 2015, led by teachers from the monastic community founded by poet, author and activist Thich Nhat Hanh:

Training in mindfulness, which draws on core Buddhist principles, is aimed at cultivating clarity, calm and even happiness in every situation and in every moment. Research findings consistently show that mindfulness practice is associated with psychological resilience, and can help with problems and symptoms often experienced by trauma survivors.

The afternoon session included guided sitting meditation, walking meditation, a Dharma talk and Q&A. This workshop was part of the Miracle of Mindfulness Tour 2015, marking the 40th anniversary of the publication of Thich Nhat Hanh’s pioneering first book, which first introduced mindfulness and the principles of Engaged Buddhism to a broad audience in the West.

This free workshop was open exclusively to journalism professionals, whether staff or freelance.