The Office of the Provost invites faculty from across the WSU system to participate in the Mindfulness-Based Belonging and Reflection Communities series. This three-part experiential series combines mindfulness practice with guided community dialogue. Created and led by Trymaine Gaither, the program provides a supportive environment for personal growth and healing. Faculty participants deepen their self-awareness, reflect on social identities, and practice community care skills in a safe, respectful learning environment. The series is open to WSU faculty of all ranks and disciplines who wish to cultivate a stronger culture of belonging in their classrooms, departments, and campus communities.
What to Expect
Participants meet regularly in small cohorts to learn and grow together through mindfulness exercises and honest conversation. The curriculum draws on evidence-based practices like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) to help participants stay present, manage stress, and engage compassionately with difficult topics. Each session builds on the last, fostering trust and a deeper understanding of how personal experiences and values influence interactions with others.
Part 1 – Connection and Awareness
The first session uses mindfulness strategies to explore experiences of intergroup anxiety and moments of exclusion. Faculty practice techniques for staying grounded during uncomfortable discussions and begin building trust through sharing and listening. This foundation of mindful awareness helps participants approach sensitive topics with openness and curiosity rather than fear.
Part 2 – Identity and Perspective
The second session encourages deeper reflection on personal and social identities. Using meditation and reflective dialogue, participants examine how their backgrounds and assumptions shape their perceptions. This session invites faculty to look at workplace dynamics through a new lens, increasing empathy and understanding across different experiences.
Part 3 – From Self-Care to Community Care
The third session focuses on translating personal growth into collective action. Participants discuss ways to extend compassion from the self to the community, practicing mindful communication and inclusive decision-making scenarios. By emphasizing values-based leadership, this session empowers faculty to make thoughtful, inclusive choices that benefit their students and colleagues.
After the core sessions, participants continue meeting to support one another and put their insights into practice. In a concluding gathering, each cohort develops a collaborative plan to foster belonging and inclusion within their spheres of influence at WSU. Past cohorts have created action steps ranging from new classroom dialogue guidelines to department-level initiatives promoting belonging and well-being.
Scheduling and Participation
The Mindfulness-Based Belonging and Reflection Communities series is offered each semester and can be scheduled by request for academic units or teams. To learn more or to request a session for your area, please contact Trymaine Gaither at trymaine.gaither@wsu.edu. By engaging in this mindful learning community, WSU faculty are actively contributing to a more inclusive, resilient, and caring Cougar community.