Yassmin Salem, Murals at Mason Lead Organizer, shares what she does for her well-being:
"My name is Yassmin Salem and I graduated with my BA in Social Justice and Innovative Leadership from the School of Integrative Studies, with a double minor in Sustainability and Well-Being in May 2020.
During my last year at Mason, I began journaling and meditating to cope with everything going on in the world, and reconnect with my highest self. Since then I made it a goal to be very purposeful with what I put my time and energy into, and only pursue things that align with the goals I have for myself and the impact I want to make on the world."
Part of that has been producing the Arcadia installation through Murals at Mason. I knew it was important for Arcadia to come to fruition as a public art project, mindfulness, and meditation resource, as well as a research platform.
It was a goal of mine to bring disconnected parts of the school together around the shared goals of fostering well-being and encouraging students to think beyond the boundaries of our academic programs.
Not only has Arcadia been beneficial to me because of the work I put into organizing it; but it has benefited me personally because of the unconventional access it provides to nature, music, and art, especially now. I have always struggled with falling asleep, but when I play the Arcadia livestream at night, it gives me something other than my thoughts to focus on and I now fall asleep more easily.
When I am on long car rides by myself, my mind can begin racing and I get anxious so I tune in to Arcadia’s livestream. Even though I can’t actively meditate while I drive, it brings me back into the present moment and helps me re-center myself without losing focus on the road.
"These are just a few examples of how reconnecting with myself through Arcadia has positively impacted my well-being. I want the rest of the Mason community to share this resource for a deeper connection with themselves, the natural world, and new visions that art provides.
Post picture on social media as well as quote "I made it a goal to be very purposeful with what I put my time and energy into, and only pursue things that align with the goals I have for myself and the impact I want to make on the world."
Have in story in mind that you want to share? Email Zill Raval (zraval@gmu.edu) and follow these directions here.
Credits:
Created with an image by Tama66 - "sea sunrise sky"