My mornings are spent running around. My workdays are spent running around. My evenings are spent running around. It’s a true wonder that my pedometer never seems to accurately count those 4,000,000 steps I must be taking! In reality, the true wonder is how few steps I do take while feeling as though I am on the go all the time! Not only does my body get a workout (at least it feels like a workout, although I am pretty sure I am in no better shape…) but my brain does, too. Life seems like a combination of sprints and marathons, with few water breaks to recoup.

A few years ago, my son’s school schedule included “passing time” between classes. The students had five minutes between classes to return to their lockers, use the restroom, chat with a friend. One morning I was complaining vehemently about the crazy day that lay ahead of me: back-to-back classes and meetings, with what felt like absolutely not a single break. At the end of my rant, I looked at him and commented that he probably felt like I did, since he had rush to back-to-back classes all day long. True to the old soul that he is, he shrugged and said, “No, it’s not so bad…we have passing time. Don’t you have passing time?”

Author Tom Giaquinto says, “Find some quiet, private time. Allow yourself to slow down and relax. Find nature, meditate, or do nothing. Take a mental break. You’ll gain the benefits of a quiet mind.” All of the classes start the day with mindful lessons, and these lessons continue throughout the day. Some days we feel more balanced, and on other days we need moments to reset. Students are encouraged to take breaks when needed, to take mindful minutes, to reset their bodies and brains.

Passing time. What a wonderful idea.