3/23/2021

Dear Community,

It's getting warmer, green grass is returning and flowers are starting to bloom. As we approach the halfway point of the semester, now could be a good time to reflect on the little things and small moments during our days that give us energy and happiness. Even though classes may have started to pick up, we hope that you can take advantage of some of the opportunities below that can help you connect with the little things in your life that support you and/or bring you joy.

Wishing you wellness,

The Skorton Center for Health Initiatives

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Consider trying one (or more) of the following practices to help you notice "the small things" this week:

** Create a gratitude jar. Write down some things that you feel grateful for each day no matter how big or small and put them in your jar, slowly filling it up. Allow yourself to smile whenever you look at your gratitude jar.

** Keep a gratitude journal where you respond to one or two prompts such as:

• Today I saw the most beautiful...
• Today I heard a (adjective) (noun)...
• Today someone did (_______) for me and I felt....
• Three things I am grateful for today are...

** Write a gratitude letter: Write and send a hand-written letter to somebody that you are particularly grateful for in your life.

For a longer description of these as well as more gratitude exercises, check out this link: https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-exercises/

What: Discuss recent spikes in Asian hate crimes

When: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 8pm

Where: Register at linktr.ee/CornellWRC

As if COVID-19 has not been enough of a struggle on its own, the last months have seen some very concerning hate crimes targeted at various marginalized groups in the US.

This session will address the recent white supremacist violence in Atlanta that killed 8 people, 6 of whom were Asian women. Take this opportunity to unpack the rise in anti-Asian violence across the US, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic and politicians' linguistic violence surrounding it. Join the WRC as they discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on AAPI and other communities of color, as well as how the pandemic has disproportionately affected women and gender-marginalized folx.

What: Learn about climate change in northeastern North America!

When: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Where: Register HERE!

Climate change can sometimes feel like a distant issue - something to worry about for later as well as something that only warmer places have to be concerned about. Have you ever wondered how this phenomenon could be having an effect on our very own Botanic Gardens right now?

Join host Kevin Moss and his guests Daniel Weitoish, Lead Arborist, and Zaidee Powers-Rosales, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist, for a discussion of how the climate crisis is impacting trees managed by Cornell Botanic Gardens – and what is being done about it.

What: Learn about nutrition from the experts

When: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from 7pm - 8pm

Where: Register HERE!

The little dietary decisions that you make throughout your days can have a big difference. Join psychologist Jennie Bernstein, PsyD, and nutritionist, Cindy Milner, RDN, to learn about common nutrition and health-relation misconceptions. Frequently asked questions from students about the latest diets trends, the connection between food and mood, meal and snack planning, eating on a budget and more will be addressed!

What: Learn skills to identify and overcome self-doubt!

When: Thursday, March 25, 5:00 - 6:15 p.m.
Where: No registration required, just join this Zoom meeting.

Ever felt like your peers have things figured out but your own achievements are due to luck? Maybe you have perfectionist habits or self-doubts? This workshop clarifies what the impostor phenomenon is and isn't. The workshop's aim is to teach evidence-based skills so you can recognize and overcome feelings of self-doubt. Now is as good as a time than ever to recognize your own worth and skills - comparison does not go well with gratitude!

Did you know that the maple tree is New York State's official state tree? Hopefully this has gotten you excited for: Maple Week 2021! The Cayuga Nature Center and Paleontological Research Institution are organizing this virtual event as a substitute for the "Maple Fest" of previous years. Curious about how the maple syrup that you use for your pancakes is made? This event will showcase a wide range of information including a Cornell professor taking about maple sugar production. Check out this website for the full list of events happening this week!

Trans Rights Priorities for the Biden Administration

March 29th @ 4:00PM EST

Register here: https://sagepub.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kTpggMNTSQyj6_wL-wAGnA

A new presidential administration that is supportive of trans rights provides opportunities to make further progress on addressing discrimination and violence against trans people. Join this panel discussion of how trans leaders are hoping to make gains during the Biden administration.

What: Social opportunity for graduate/professional students

When: Tuesday, March 30 at 7 PM

Where: Register HERE!

Having trouble meeting new friends during a mostly online semester, or just looking to meet more people? The program is open to graduate and professional students at Cornell University and is a great opportunity to share little moments and activities! You will be matched with another student who is interested in doing similar wellness activities as you. :) In this program, you will be able to find a new friend; yoga, exercise, meditation or even cooking partner!

What: A Unique Museum Exhibit

When: Every day of this week (March 23 - March 27) at 10:00am - 3:00pm

Where: Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art

Could this be our darkest Bright Spot yet? Midnight Zone is an exhibition of sculpture by David Nasca (M.F.A. '22) based on hydrothermal vent communities and the deep sea as a metaphor for queer identities and communities. Midnight Zone will feature sculptures that reference the beautiful, grotesque and perfectly adapted organisms that thrive in the hostile environment of the deep ocean. Design cues will be taken from the queer underground nightlife, leather and lights, sound and silicone, volume and vinyl will come together to create an immersive installation that takes viewers to the bottom of the ocean and to the back room at a disco.

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