Why this ASU graduate signs off his emails with ‘Deep Breaths’
Aldwin Galang, a 2020 Community of Health graduate, has found systemic and everyday ways to spread mindfulness to others. Signing his emails with the parting message “Deep Breaths” is just one of the few ways Galang communicates using mindfulness.
Galang says it’s important for people to know it’s OK to stop and take a breath, especially when stressed or busy.
“I’m always constantly thinking about what are the things I need to do whether it’s school life or social life. It’s OK to [take a] deep breath and pause for a while and be aware of how you are feeling,” he said.
ASU grad Aldwin Galang
After being raised in the Philippines, Galang moved to the United States and started attending ASU. Galang felt overwhelmed by all the change.
His experience inspired him to write his Barrett thesis on the importance of mindfulness and resilience among students and what benefits come to those who practice mindfulness. Through his research, Galang discovered that practicing mindfulness every day can improve a person’s physical health, mental health and overall well being.
After writing his Barrett thesis, Galang decided to put his words into action and created a series of free workshops for community members interested in practicing mindfulness. The program Galang created is called BPRSNT. It stands for Be Present.
“The overall goal of my workshop is to provide resource tools to all the community members in order to improve their holistic well being. I want to be able to give these resources, tools and services, not just for students but also for community members all around the world,” Galang said.
Galang's workshops take place every Monday at 6 p.m. on Instagram Live and cover different topics, such as The Art of Gratitude and Social Injustices. The workshops also include guest speakers and interactive meditations.
Galang received help creating meditations from ASU Center for Mindfulness, Compassion and Resilience; he then launched his own program and hosts his workshops on his own.
“This work is important to me because I am a person who is really passionate about making an impact and difference, not just to a student but to as many people as I can,” Galang said.
Galang recalls from experience what it feels like to practice mindfulness when dealing with a stressful or uncontrollable situation.
“I know that there are a lot of people out there who are experiencing fear, anxiety, worry, stress and depression and I wanted to be that person to give them the resources but at the same time be that spokesperson to them,” Galang said.
Aside from his workshops, Galang is working on creating a BPRSNT Gratitude Journal that can be given to community members. “When I was doing my research for my thesis I found that it could increase your mood; there are a lot of health benefits that come with it.”
Gratitude journaling is a way to write down what you are grateful for and can lower stress and improve mental and physical health.
The newest version of Galang’s customized journal will include a QR code that gives participants access to BPRSNT online courses, mindfulness quotes, a list of the benefits of journaling, and extra online resources. Galang is currently working to publish the journal for the freshman ASU 101 course. He said the most influential ASU courses he took that have been helpful post-graduation are Leaders in Community Health, Evidence-Based Practice in Health Care and Program Development Management in Community Health. “[Those classes] honed my skills to become an excellent yet compassionate health care provider."
Galang said his favorite way to practice mindfulness was the gratitude journal.
“I do it every day before I go to bed,” Galang said.
Galang said practicing gratitude allows him to see the little things in his life that he appreciates.
Galang practices mindfulness through meditation, mindful eating, Vinyasa flow, writing in a gratitude journal and more recently washing his hands.
“For me personally I incorporate mindfulness in different aspects of my life.”
Galang explained that even small acts of mindfulness can go a long way.
“I've seen people around me who are overwhelmed and challenged and stressed and experience different types of mental illnesses,” Galang said.
Mindfulness for me is simply bringing your attention to the present and focusing on the moment and letting your thoughts pass by without any judgment,” Galang said.
More information can be found on the BPRSNT Facebook or Instagram.