On Tuesday October 15, 2013 from 2:30-3:00pm, the University of Virginia will host Dr. Deepak Chopra and Ms. Arianna Huffington on Grounds for an Afternoon Meditation on The Lawn.
Their visit coincides with the Fall Reading Days where students are encouraged to clear their minds and relax in preparation for upcoming exams. In their only public appearance at the University, Ms. Huffington and Dr. Chopra will offer brief remarks prior to Dr. Chopra leading a guided meditation session from the steps of the Rotunda. This is a rare opportunity to have one of the world’s great contemplative figures join our community in a session of reflection. For students, we hope that it may serve to fine tune your mind and reduce stress at the semester mid-point. For faculty, staff and the community at large we welcome you to join us on the Grounds for this special occasion.
Event Details: The event will be on the Lawn in front of the Rotunda from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm on Tuesday, October 15. Formal seating will not be provided, but you are welcome to bring a blanket, cushion or mat to sit upon. Please turn your cell phone ringer off during the meditation to maintain a silent environment. In the event of rain, the meditation will be moved to the Aquatics & Fitness Center located on Alderman & Whitehead Road. There is a 600 person capacity in the gym and access will be granted on a first come, first served basis. A rain call will be made by 9:00am on October 15.
Dr. Chopra is a global leader and pioneer in the field of mind-body medicine. Chopra transforms the way the world views physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social wellness. Known as a prolific author of more than seventy-five books translated into over thirty-five languages, including twenty-one New York Times best sellers. He is a well-known doctor with a long history in education, having taught at the medical schools of Tufts, Boston University, and Harvard before starting a private practice and founding The Chopra Foundation. Dr. Chopra is an accomplished practitioner of contemplative sciences such as meditation, yoga, deep listening, visualization, and stress resiliency techniques.
Arianna Huffington is the chair, president, and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group, a nationally syndicated columnist, and author of thirteen books. In May 2005, she launched The Huffington Post, a news and blog site that quickly became one of the most widely-read, linked to, and frequently-cited media brands on the Internet. In 2012, the site won a Pulitzer Prize for national reporting. In 2013, she was named to the Forbes Most Powerful Women list. In 2006, and again in 2011, she was named to the Time 100, Time Magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people. Originally from Greece, she moved to England when she was 16 and graduated from Cambridge University with an M.A. in economics. At 21, she became president of the famed debating society, the Cambridge Union. She serves on several boards, including EL PAÍS, PRISA, the Center for Public Integrity, and the Committee to Protect Journalists. Arianna’s longtime belief in the power of meditation and contemplation to enhance our leadership and decision-making potential are key tenets of The Third Metric, a major editorial focus at The Huffington Post about redefining success beyond money and power to include well-being, wisdom, wonder, compassion and giving.
For more information or for questions, please contact Kenna Boyd at 434-924-7593 or kennaboyd@virginia.edu