St. Joseph’s students of Peter Lin, Ph.D., associate chair and professor of psychology, and coordinator of the mindfulness and contemplative living minor on the Brooklyn Campus, recently attended a mindfulness retreat at the Dharma Drum Retreat Center in Pine Bush, New York.
Since 2010, Dr. Lin has led his students on this retreat to help students develop a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, motivations and beliefs, while also developing metacognitive awareness.
“This meta-awareness helps us have a healthier attitude towards our own mental contents, an attitude that is curious, accepting, kind and motivational,” said Dr. Lin.
While at the Retreat Center, students spent a day in silence; no talking, reading or writing. Throughout the day students practiced mindfulness through sitting, walking and standing meditation, as well as mindful yoga. They also attended mindfulness lectures on the method of practice.
“The retreat was honestly a new experience that I will always remember,” said Arianna Diaz ’26. “Being silent for an entire day and practicing being alone with myself are honestly foreign concepts to me, but I got to see the habits and thoughts of my mind in full effect. I learned how to embrace new traditions as much as I could to be mindful and respectful of another person’s practices.”
The Dharma Drum Retreat Center was founded in 1997 by Chan Master Sheng Yen. The Center offers classes, workshops and retreats teaching the principles and application of the Buddha’s wisdom through Chan Buddhism, including Chan meditation rooted in ancient traditions. They also offer instruction in foundational practices for beginners and opportunities for experienced practitioners to deepen their practice through silent, intensive retreats.
