CPP Class Connects Mindfulness and Service
As you walk down the hall of the Pomona Public Library, the sounds of chimes, singing bowls and gongs mingle with whispers over math problems and literary passages.
In one room, Ethnic Studies Professor Paul Knopf leads a sound bath using Tibetan instruments. Next door, his Cal Poly Pomona students tutor children with math, reading and science through a free after-school homework program.
The juxtaposition reflects Knopf's approach to Community Service Learning and Engagement (EWS 2800S), a course that combines community service with mindfulness and asks students to examine how they can create meaningful social change.
Sound baths give participants a chance to slow down and decompress, Knopf said.
“My favorite part is seeing individuals of all ages come out a little bit more at peace because we all know how stressful life can be,” he adds.
Knopf, a Center for Community Engagement fellow, received an impact grant to finance the instruments needed to offer the sound bath sessions. He first learned about sound baths 20 years ago and has been implementing the practice in his classroom and community ever since.
While sound baths may seem unconventional, a growing body of research into sound meditation suggests the practice offers a range of health benefits. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that sound meditation participants reported significantly less tension, anger, fatigue and depression after one session.
“I am very happy that Cal Poly Pomona’s become-by-doing philosophy, is intertwined with everything - my passion is connecting learning to making a difference and they made it possible with the grant and being extremely supportive,” said Knopf.
As participants leave Knopf’s sound bath sessions feeling more at peace, his students are helping the children they tutor build confidence in the classroom.
To put classroom learning into action and help them make an impact, Knopf requires his students to complete a minimum of 20 hours of community service with the Homework Help Club at the public library. They tutor elementary and middle school students Monday through Thursday, assisting groups of 10 to20 per session in subjects ranging from math to reading to science. These sessions connect to Knopf’s nonprofit organization, Impact Earth, which focuses on connecting people through the arts and creating a better society with mindfulness.
By the first week of class, the CPP students were at the library – tutoring and working with students while Knopf led a sound bath session.
Evelyn Arellano, a gender, ethnicity and multicultural studies junior — who is completing her service learning through the course, said she plans to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher after graduating.
“My favorite part is being actively involved with students and being able to participate with their education,” she said. “It is rewarding to know I have the ability to make a difference in a child’s life through this service-learning class.”
