US Rep. Ryan shares mindfulness training with Rayen students

YOUNGSTOWN

Brandon Ivory, 13, believes mindfulness is something he can use to cope with school pressures and that it will be beneficial to society for more people to practice.

“I think it will help relieve stress and it will be good for society,” the Rayen Early College Middle School eighth-grader said. “It will prevent problems from becoming bigger problems, and I want to thank Mr. Tim Ryan for writing it and helping us to empower ourselves.”

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-13th, talked to REC eighth-graders Monday morning about his book, “A Mindful Nation,” and the practices it encourages.

Ryan told the students that mindfulness is being in the present moment. He became interested in the practice after learning about Phil Jackson, former coach of both Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers professional basketball teams, instructing players about it.

Then Ryan went on a five-day retreat where he and other participants checked their smartphones at the door.

“I wrote this book for you,” he told. “I wish someone had taught me how to do this when I was sitting in your seats.”

It would have improved all of his relationships, Ryan said.

Read more about the practice and the book in Tuesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.