9/1/2020
As I read and understand more about this new “normal” I am awestruck at the concept of impermanence. This exact time last year, I was on a plane for Quebec, Canada. In just 2 hours, I landed in the beautiful city of Montreal, where I found myself wandering around this French-Canadian wonderland in large crowds of people. We were dancing, singing, and enjoying the outdoor movie creations. It was a creative celebration of Old Montreal’s history through “Cite Memoire” with original footage of the city shown on the sides of buildings while sharing headsets in both English and French. There were open air markets, beautiful museums, delicious croissants with wild caught salmon in crowded cafes. There were people everywhere, touching, talking, singing, laughing.
8/4/2020
There is so much going on now that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The coronavirus pandemic is continuing to worsen in parts of the world, with cases still going up around the US. Even Virginia, which had been bucking the trend with decreased numbers, has experienced an increase again. Schools are due to open soon, yet conditions are such that it’s impossible to know what a “safe” return might look like. The economy is shrinking and the unemployment rate remains high. The unrest following the murder of George Floyd has largely subsided, but the need to address 400 years of racial injustice remains as urgent as ever.
8/4/2020
Please join us for the virtual Mindful Pause at 4 pm daily, Monday through Friday. The sessions are 15 minute meditations led by a mindfulness teacher via Zoom. Registration is…
8/4/2020
Helping People by Being Present This research evaluated whether mindfulness practices can increase helping (prosocial) behaviors in the workplace. The investigators did a series of studies in the US and…
Summer Reading and Book Discussion
6/25/2020
August 12 3:30-5:00pm (EDT) Free and open to the public Registration required The UVa Contemplative Sciences Center and the Center for Teaching Excellence will be hosting a discussion of the book,…
6/25/2020
Black Lives Matter. George Floyd’s tragic murder under the knee of a Minneapolis policeman has again brought the issue of systemic racism to the forefront, not just in the US but around the world. This event, along with the recent killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmoud Arbery and Rayshard Brooks, as well as the racial inequities in the impact of COVID-19, have highlighted the racial injustice, structural inequalities, and systematic biases that Blacks in this country face every day. The widespread protests that have resulted, including individuals from many different backgrounds, seem to indicate that there now may be greater understanding of how our assumptions and actions may be influenced towards others even when we claim, often with great sincerity, that we are not racist, or not even biased. Yet there continues to be ample evidence that systematic racial bias is widespread. Why is this? Why, even when we have the intention of truly viewing and treating everyone equally, with respect and compassion, is it so hard to do? And how can mindfulness help us in this pursuit?
Mindfulness for Health System Employees Classes Expanded
5/14/2020
To meet the demand after the first class filled very quickly, a second Fostering Resilience in the Time of COVID-19 class is being offered in June. It will be held…
5/14/2020
This is a very uncertain time. There is uncertainty about the spread of COVID-19, and about how safe it will be as social distancing restrictions are relaxed and we can begin to move about more. There is uncertainty about work and personal finances as well as the larger economy. There is uncertainty about childcare and remote learning and when schools might open for in-person classes again. The list goes on and on. How do we find peace the midst of so much uncertainty? This is a real challenge for many of us. One thing we can do is to focus on the present moment. Regardless of whatever else is going on, if we are able to bring our attention back to our present moment experience we can get out of the stream of thoughts regarding all the things over which we have no control. In those moments when we are not thinking, we may find some calm.
Daily 15 Minute Online Mindful Pause
5/14/2020
The Mindfulness Center is hosting a virtual Mindful Pause for 15 minutes every day at 4 pm. These sessions are offered live via Zoom and are led by a Mindfulness…
New Daily 15 Minute Online Mindful Pause
4/8/2020
In response to the increased stress many of us are feeling as a result of COVID-19, the Mindfulness Center will host a virtual Mindful Pause for 15 minutes every day…