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Yoga class touching toes
Fridays
6:30 - 8:00am
Starting
Ashtanga Yoga: Sanskrit-Counted Led Primary Series
Open to All
In this class, the instructor leads participants through the entire ashtanga primary series, pairing movement with in- and out-breath to the traditional Sanskrit-counted vinyasa. The aim is for participants to flow through the poses and breathe together in a moving group meditation. As time does not allow for the instructor to explain the poses or the flow between them, this class is most suitable for those with experience practicing Ashtanga yoga.
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Local sound practitioner Karianne Michelle leads 45-minute sound baths on Fridays as part of UVA’s Friday Rest Fest. (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)
Sundays
2:00 - 3:00pm
Starting
Soundbath
Open to All

Join us for a relaxing sound bath session on Sundays at the Contemplative Commons. Led by a trained practitioner, a sound bath is a meditative sonic experience that eases stress and cultivates rest. Participants sit or lie comfortably while absorbing gentle vibrations from instruments such as chimes, drums, and singing bowls.

(Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)

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Students practice Ashtanga Yoga, reaching their arms up towards the ceiling in a room with wooden floors
Mondays to Thursdays
6:00 - 9:00am
Starting
Ashtanga Yoga: Mysore-Style Sessions (Mon-Thu)
Open to All
Mysore-style classes provide students the opportunity to expand their experience and knowledge through individualized instruction and allow for traditional ashtanga yoga sequences to be modified to suit individual needs. This is a great class for beginners and those looking to deepen their relationship with yoga and establish a regular, personalized, and sustainable practice.
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Four people sitting on cushions experiencing the exhibit in the Conservatory
Mondays to Thursdays
3:00 - 7:30pm
Sunday and Saturdays
12:00 - 5:30pm
Fridays
3:00 - 5:30pm
Starting
Synaisthesis Open Hours
Open to All
Synaisthesis is an immersive light and sound exhibit in the Conservatory at the Contemplative Commons. A collaboration between Karianne Michelle, R. Lee Kennedy, David Acunzo and Matthew Burtner, the installation is open daily. Experience standing-wave acoustics and binaural beating patterns along with the synchronized lighting.
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a group of students sits on a wooden floor in the Contemplative Commons and meditates, overlooking the foliage below from the floor to ceiling window
Mondays to Fridays
12:00 - 12:20pm
Starting
Midday Mindfulness
Open to All

Join us for a midday contemplative break led by the Contemplative Sciences Center staff and guest instructors. While practices shared may come from various traditions, they aim to invite participants to explore the mindful qualities of present-moment awareness, curiosity, and non-judgment. These are free, drop-in sessions for all of the UVA and Charlottesville community. Open and accessible to beginners and advanced practitioners alike. 

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A group of students practicing yoga. They sit with their legs straight and reach towards their toes.
Tuesdays
5:30 - 6:30pm
Starting
Yoga for Resilience
Open to All
How are the body and the breath connected to how we feel? This class explores how we can use our autonomic nervous system to reach a different state of presence. Each session opens with a form of embodied movement, often a vinyasa flow or something dynamic. Once the body is warm, we shift into breathwork sequences or meditation, drawing on practices refined over centuries in yogic traditions and adapted here for a modern, practical context. No prior yoga or meditation experience is required.
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Nora Brookfield demonstrating a yoga pose before a window at the Contemplative Commons
Wednesdays
7:00 - 8:00pm
Starting
Yoga for Connection
Open to All
An upbeat, heart-centered class with an energizing flow that builds a feeling of vitality and community. Come to studio 3C to create space for authentic connection with yourself and others. Instructor: Nora Brookfield.
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People stretching in front of yoga mats in the Contemplative Commons looking out at summer greenery
Thursdays
5:00 - 5:45pm
Starting
Therapeutic Yoga for Stress Management
Open to All
This yoga practice will help lower stress, calm the nervous system, and release physical tension in the muscles. Through yoga, we can cultivate a sense of calm and balance, even amidst life‘s uncertainties and challenges. Instructor: Cindy Crace.
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People meditating on mats
Thursdays
6:00 - 7:00pm
Starting
Yoga for Better Sleep
Open to All
In this restorative practice we will focus on calming the body, slowing the breath and focusing on the present. This yoga practice will increase circulation and endorphins that encourage relaxation which help you into a state of inner peace for a restful sleep. This class is taught Thursday 6-7pm in studio 4A.
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Students around a table discussing yoga with John Bultman
Fridays
8:00 - 9:00am
Starting
Chai & Chats (Yoga Q&A)
Open to All
We will discuss yoga-related topics from philosophical ideas to questions about poses over a cup of chai. All are welcome. No physical practice required. Led by John Bultman.
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Photo divided into three images: sound bowls, tai chi pose, yoga pose
Fridays
1:00 - 4:30pm
Starting
Friday Rest Fest
Open to All

Join us Friday afternoons for these contemplative activities specially curated to help you reconnect with your body and feel refreshed for the weekend. Drop in to any class. All are open to the public.

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A yoga class in the Contemplative Commons, students in the Hero Pose
Sundays
4:00 - 5:00pm
Starting
Ashtanga Yoga Drop-in Led Class
Open to All
Instructor: Seunghun Lee. In this fun Sunday class, students will practice Ashtanga yoga and build a practice that works for them at their level and pace. Previous yoga experience is not required. Classes are filled with posture breakdowns, alignment cues, and variations to modify poses that may be new or currently inaccessible. This class will likely include half of the primary series and will be modified according to the needs of those practicing. Expect a lovely 40-minute yoga workout, cooldown and rest, and community fun in a low pressure environment!
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Students doing yoga in the Contemplative Commons
Mondays
5:00 - 6:30pm
Starting
Active Series Yoga (Mondays)
Open to All

The Active Series was developed by Sharath Jois and derived from a traditional Ashtanga Yoga practice. It retains all the benefits of the traditional method keeping the linking of movement with breath but includes new more accessible postures for a wider range of students in a modern age and setting. Students from all levels will be able to participate in a non-intimidating inclusive setting. Classes are open to all.

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3 Movement Mondays
Mondays
5:00 - 6:00pm
Starting
Movement Mondays: The 360 Emergence: Conscious Dance and Embodiment Practice
Open to All
Join facilitator Samantha Lane for Movement Monday: The 360 Emergence conscious dance and embodiment practice from 5-6pm in Studio 1B. The 360 Emergence is a dynamic free-form, embodiment practice that bridges dance and personal growth, rigor and freedom, individuality and the global collective. The 360 functions as a living laboratory where collective care becomes the catalyst for heart-led coherence, respect and the evolution of human dignity. 
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Student reading in the Contemplative Commons with a bookshelf and plant in the background
Sundays
2:00 - 5:00pm
Starting
Reading Unplugged
For UVA students
Put away your phones, turn off your laptops and settle in for screen-free reading at the Contemplative Commons. Read for class (print out your coursework!) or just bring your favorite book or magazine. Comfy couches and snacks will be provided. Every Sunday from 2-5pm on the 4th Floor Alchemy space in the Contemplative Commons. Drop in and leave whenever you like. No registration required.
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A man doing summersault amidst graphics of flowers
Sundays
2:00 - 3:00pm
Starting
Contemplative Capoeira
Open to All
Join us for all-level Capoeira on Sundays starting September 20 at the Contemplative Commons, from 2-3pm. Free and open to the public.
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Contemplative Commons from across the Dell
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Faith, Play, and Practice: Analog Hour
Open to All

Faith, Play, and Practice: Analog Hour is a chance for students and community members to engage in hands-on and screen free activities in the Contemplative Sciences Center. Step away from your daily grind and enjoy a mid-week contemplative practice that engages your childlike sense of play. Facilitators will guide participants through a new exercise each session that encourages deep reflection and presence. Learn more about the spiritual significance of mindful moments and share a meal with the Theological Horizons community.

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Man walking while balancing on one side of an old railroad track in a sitting
Mondays
6:30 - 7:30pm
Starting
Movement Mondays: Ways of Attending: Movement and Embodiment Practice
Open to All

Instructor: Brad Stoller

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Students doing yoga at the Contemplative Commons
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Active Series Micro-Residency Classes
Open to All

Active Series Micro-residency

Join this all-level Active Series micro-residency with instructors Elizabeth Van Genderen and William Mushkin — Sharath Jois Authorized teachers from Ashtanga Yoga Denver. The series honors Ashtanga linage holder, Sharath Jois, who passed away two years ago in November. Sharath was an inspiration to many including Elizabeth and William. Learn more about Sharath Jois. 

All offerings are free and open to the public.

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A still life of fall items, sweater, small gourds, paper, and pencil with leaves scattered between them
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Friendsgiving x Gratitude
Open to All

The Contemplative Sciences Center invites students to celebrate a season of gratitude with us! There will be festive food, letter-writing supplies for notes of gratitude, fall themed arts and crafts, and a chill array of films with fall themes for folks to relax and enjoy.

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