By ANNA GILGOFF

Special to The Press

With the changing leaves as a perfect peaceful background, a small group of area residents gathered on four consecutive Saturday mornings to talk about how to make life less stressful during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under one of the covered park pavilions at Ontelaunee Park, Bob Murphy delivered presentations centered on mindfulness and its benefits.

Through discussions, breathing exercises and even deliberate walking, Murphy showed how repeated practice could help people cope with life issues by developing self-care, compassion and loving kindness.

“By walking mindfully, you’re calming the body,” Murphy said. “And, you can do informal meditation throughout the day.”

The retired New York state school superintendent read short passages from assorted writers such as neuropsychologist Rick Hansen‘s book, “Hardwiring Happiness.”

“Routinely practicing relaxation meditation will calm down genes for stress reactions,” Murphy said.

Murphy peppered his presentation with stories, breathing exercises and a meditation practice.

“Set your intention for the activity you will do throughout the day,” he suggested.

In the end, Murphy’s T-shirt stamped with the motto “Awaken the healer within,” seemed to summarize the essence of the classes.

“Our four weeks together have been great,” Murphy said. “These behaviors have helped me. I try to think before I speak, I try to respond before reacting.”