Author: Michelle

This program was held in person at the library, and I attended with my dad. It took place in a special room they called “the Igloo.” It was my first time in that room, and I thought it was really cool because the movie they showed, which was made by a librarian, was projected on three of the four walls of the room we were sitting in, so it was a completely immersive experience.

It was a documentary about the history of Grand Central Station in NYC, and the history of the railroad beginning in the 1800s to the present day.

Regarding Grand Central, the librarian touched on the whispering wall, the dirty spot on the ceiling they left from after they cleaned it to show how dirty it used to be, and also how the constellations above are backward. He also talked about when Jackie Kennedy saved Grand Central from an untimely demise.

At the end of the presentation, the librarian took questions, and pulled up Google Earth on the screen. He showed us how everything is now 3-D, and you can actually see the buildings how they are in real life. Pretty awesome!

Reflections:
I thought this program was very neat, and I learned a lot about the history of the railroad. I already knew a bunch about the secrets of Grand Central, but it was cool to hear them again. I’m glad I attended this program, and would definitely go back to see another movie or documentary when they show it in the Igloo.

Oscar Winning Songs

This program was virtual and took place over Zoom. I didn’t enjoy it that much because it was mostly movies and songs from way back in the day (old movies, from like, the 1930s and 40s) and I only recognized Somewhere Over the Rainbow from “The Wizard of Oz.” So, I couldn’t connect with most of it, and ended up turning it off, unfortunately. I felt bad, but I just wasn’t into it.

Open Mic Night/Poetry Slam

This program also took place over Zoom, and I went, not intending to share any poetry of my own. I felt a little uncomfortable because I quickly found out this was clearly a monthly program where the same people show up and know each other, and I was the newbie. I told them I was just there to listen/watch, and enjoyed some of the original poetry. But, it ended up being two hours long, and I turned this one off as well.

Reflections:
Both of these programs ended up being flops!

Recently, I signed up for a bunch – I mean a bunch – of free library programs at a few libraries near me. Since my schedule has recently opened up, I decided to take advantage, and said to myself: “why not?” Here and in the coming blog posts, I’ll write my thoughts on the library programs I’ll attend. The Tibetan sound healing and mental health and wellness programs are two that I attended in February.

Tibetan Sound Healing

I attended this program in person, and I was lucky enough to also be accompanied by my aunt, uncle and cousins. I’d never done this before, but heard about it. The woman who did it played the bowls at different frequencies, and we all laid out on our yoga mats, starting out in any position that we wanted. I started on my back with my legs bent, and I was glad I did because my back had started hurting two days prior. I was still in pain the day of the program even though I had gone to an acupuncture session the first day of the pain. During the program, I ended up shifting positions and laid on my side, which helped my back a lot, especially since the yoga mat wasn’t nearly padded enough for my back! At the end of the program, the presenter gave us all some moringa oil, and I thought it smelled so good! Now I am on the hunt to buy some (but I have to find some pure oil that isn’t so expensive!)

Reflection:
I liked this program a lot and would definitely go back if I had the chance. I thought it was very relaxing (except for the back pain) and I liked the musical aspect of it as well. I’m glad I gave it a try!

Mindfulness & Mental Wellness Workshop

This program took place virtually, through a local library, on Zoom. They hired a psychologist to lead the program, and she spoke about the importance of mindfulness for one’s mental health. She told us that mindfulness means awareness and openness, strengthens the brain, is an accessible practice, reduces stress and anxiety, and is rooted in Buddhism.

The therapist also discussed the mental health benefits of mindfulness:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves emotional regulation
• Enhances our focus
• Helps us stay present and engaged
• Supports better sleep
• Builds self-compassion

Also, she told us about some mindfulness practices to help us when in distress:

• Box Breathing (breath can regulate emotions)
  • Inhale for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, exhale for 4, and repeat
• Body Scan
  • Observe and create a shift – listen to your body’s wisdom
  • Tension and stress aren’t just mental
• The Mind-Body Feedback Loop
  • “Your issues are your tissues”
  • Say to yourself repeatedly: “I am safe, I can let go”
• Journaling – Pennebaker Method
  • Engages language centers
  • Lowers cortisol levels
  • 15-20 minutes of uninterrupted writing

Takeaways:
Mindfulness is a trainable skill, and it’s flexible! Breath work regulates stress and body awareness reduces tension. Movement disrupts emotional stagnation, and journaling provides insight.

Reflection:
I thought this therapist was great, and this program was a refresher course for me, because I’ve been learning about mindfulness, therapy practices and meditation for years. I’m by no means an expert, and I love reminding myself about the practices of mindfulness and how good they are for my mental health.