Alexander Christiano

To better prepare myself for the return back to campus in the fall, here are three strategies I've used to deepen my mindfulness and meditative practice so I can improve my concentration and focus to successfully tackle the semester.

In the last few months, I have had to contend with my own dispute involving the leasing company that represents the owner of the house that I live in.

I find that there is a lot of misunderstanding of what meditation really entails. Let’s clear that up. Meditation isn't something you can get better at, not something to boast about and certainly doesn’t make you better than anyone else

This brings me to the beauty of seasonal cooking — what grows together goes together, and all of the possibilities are endless!

The East Village is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Manhattan, well known for its history of beatnik poetry, punk music and Nuyorican literature. As many old-timers in the neighborhood complain about enduring establishments being replaced by banks and Starbucks, I tried to center my last day trip around some more spots commonly frequented by locals and long-time residents.

The following practices are perfect for beginners who haven't practiced meditation before. Better yet, you can implement them anywhere, whether it be seated in a lecture hall, eating lunch on Memorial Glade or walking to your next class.

This dish is a staple at Frank Prisinzano’s trio of Italian-American restaurants in Manhattan – to the point that he charges north of $20 for a bowl. I recommend playing with the ratios here and there — maybe you’ll want less acidity, more butter, less pasta water. It’s up to you.