Happiness-Based Education

“I wanted to write this letter to you to thank you for your ‘virtual’ visit to my class this week during my Zoom seminar- the last seminar of my course, History of the British Empire to 1850. I wanted to use mindfulness techniques and a contemplative education approach to conclude the course. Doing so, I hoped, would create a relaxing and focused environment in which students could connect deeply with what they had learned during the semester. The aim was to create a unique opportunity for my students to consider what the course material meant to them on several different levels and how it connected with their own lives, their community, and the world around them. Not only did you help me create a pedagogical template to guide the students through this meditation on connection, but you also led a short meditation session at the beginning of the seminar that helped prepare the students for the subsequent meditation on connection. I also really appreciated how you taught the students about mindful communication. In the future I will discuss mindful communication with my students earlier in the semester. I was deeply impressed and touched by the depth and honesty of my students’ sharing during this last seminar, and I’m grateful to you for the role you played in facilitating this. It would be wonderful to have you join my classes in the future whether in person or virtually; your presence, energy and guidance have a transformative power no matter the physical distance.”

Dr. Jessica Hanser, University of British Columbia

“I was a frequent attendee at the mindfulness sessions with Le over the last two semesters.  I tried to make my attendance a regular practice because I greatly appreciated the opportunity to take a mindful pause in the middle of the week.  I found that not only did I return to my desk feeling refreshed after each session but that I have been able to integrate some of the lessons that I’ve learned into my daily routines to help maintain life-work and mind-body balance.  

Jenika , Yale – NUS College 

 “I feel that Ms. Ho has 3 qualities that are vital in providing support – the ability to empathize, the patience and willingness to listen, and a stable inner peace that allows you to act as a pillar of support. These 3 qualities allow her to give advice that are tailored to the individual student. 

I feel that Ms. Ho has shown these when interacting with me, and allowed me to understand myself better and how to better navigate in this chaotic rat race. It also helped that she provided a listening ear and HEART, when, more often than not, nobody has the time or patience to hear another person out.”

Nicolas Chua, Year 4, National University of Singapore

“I have really enjoyed the mindfulness sessions with Le over the past semesters. I benefit from this hour of calm amid the chaotic work week. It turns out to be both a time to take stock/look inward and a chance to connect and check in with colleagues in a meaningful way. The practices we learn can be integrated into our daily routines and can even be implemented in our programming with students. I really appreciate the chance to participate in these sessions.”

Beth – Yale – NUS College 

“I would like to thank you so much for having the mindfulness classes with us this semester! You have really inspired me (and I’m sure many other students in the class) with your commitment and positive attitude towards the practice and also with your continuous support and guidance throughout the sessions. “

Natasha

“My overall experience in the course has been wonderful. Our sessions have been a reliable source of calm and comfort these trying times. I’ve learnt many useful mindfulness habits and have slowly been integrating them into my daily routine. They help me cope with anxiety and change.”

Irfan