Mindful Like a G: An Interview with Imani Elston

By Sydney Fuller • 

It's hard to keep updated on news, support various movements, and also take care of ourselves. The DDCSP mindfulness series is meant to create space for alumni to laugh, relax, chat, and learn about ourselves in a chill environment. Workshops run about half an hour. Feel free to participate in the whole series, or pop in for the ones that attract you the most. Thanks to those who came to our first workshop with Benji! It was awesome.  

Sydney had a chat with Imani Elston (NAU '18, ALC 3) about mindfulness, music, and the next workshop in the series! 

Sydney: What can folks expect from the mindfulness workshop you're leading next week? 
Imani: We'll be having an open discussion about the different steps/stages of mindfulness and exploring the ways through which music can help us sit in and process the different stages. By the end of the workshop, we'll create playlists that can help us all be "Mindful Like A G"! :D

Sydney: How is music incorporated in your personal mindfulness practice?
Imani: In my personal mindfulness practice, music helps me organize my thoughts and identify how I'm feeling in the moment. Music is tied to different emotions and memories in my life and I can recreate those feelings/experiences when I listen to particular playlists.

Sydney: What does it mean to you to be a G?
Imani: To be a G, to me, is to metaphorically be in the driver's seat. While there may be detours or traffic on the roads I travel, I ultimately have the power to determine my next move. In the words of rap legends Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg, that "ain't nuthin' but a 'G' thang, baby"!

Sydney: What's a song or album you've had on repeat lately?
Imani: I started Grad School this past week and have been listening to Lizzo's album "Cuz I Love You" to give me confidence in this new chapter of my life. Honestly though, my current guilty pleasure is the Original Hamilton Soundtrack.

Thanks for chatting with me, Imani, and congrats on grad school! We hope to see you all at the workshop next week!
Watch the recorded workshop here→

                     NEXT IN THE SERIES
 
 

Eating for Nourishment and Pleasure
OCT. 21 7PM ET

We're talking intuitive eating and honoring our bodies with Isaac (UM '18). Bring a snack and join in the discussion of food joy! I'm hoping to leave this workshop with a ton of new yummy family recipes you all share ;)

REGISTER HERE→
 

DDCSP Virtual Hug
Oct. 26 7pm ET

We're hosting another check-in call! Chat about how you're feeling, what you've been up to, and catch up with other alumni. Games may even be played...

REGISTER HERE→