For many of us this is a time of year for taking a break. Maybe you’ll hit the road with family or head out on your own in pursuit of a favorite hobby or a bucket list vacation. I’m just back from Ocean City, MD, which holds memories of my parents and childhood and where I return often with my wife, Noreen, and son, Seamus.

Taking a break doesn’t have to mean travel – it can be anything that allows you to clear your mind and become present with yourself. It could be starting your day with mindful movement like yoga or closing the laptop at a specific time each day and stepping outside for a walk. 

When I’m feeling pulled in too many directions, I can find a centering focus in the practice of Qi Gong, which Susan Lutgendorf introduced me to. In her leadership role with the T32 focused on health at the behavioral-biomedical interface, she opened a team retreat with this series. I’ve asked groups I’m leading to try it as a way to let go of distractions and focus on the present moment before we jump into the primary focus of a meeting. 

Wherever you are and whatever a break looks like for you, I know we will start stronger in the new semester if we have been intentional about giving our brains a rest. 

Ted

July 2026