Midday Mindfulness

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. 

We meet in the Contemplative Commons on the third floor in Studio 3C from 12:00-12:20am Monday-Fridays with an optional reflection until 12:30pm. 

Mondays with Sam Cole: Having been raised in the Quaker tradition, silence has always been a part of Sam’s life. Mondays will offer an opportunity for participants to engage with silence in whatever form or practice feels best to the individual.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays with Nora Brookfield: Guided mindfulness meditation sessions rooted in the Vipassana or insight meditation tradition. While great for beginners, these led contemplative breaks are open to all levels of practitioner. Learn simple practices for cultivating awareness and presence with a kind and supportive approach.

Thursdays with Polina Mischenko: Guided mindful awareness practices including breath awareness, body scans, and loving-kindness. Open to all levels. Practice will be adjusted based on participants’ level of experience.

Fridays: Experience a wide array of mindful awareness practices led by surprise CSC staff.

Midday Mindfulness has truly been a gift for me. As an international student, I arrived not knowing anyone, and every face was new. I felt overwhelmed not just with studies but also with navigating a whole new culture and environment. I discussed this with Tish, who directed me to these sessions, and they’ve become my best space on campus. Unless I’m engaged officially, I always like to attend.

The Midday Mindfulness sessions have been so welcoming and gave me permission to pause amid the day’s chaos and slow down. They’ve helped me feel calmer, steadier, and even notice my breathing and blood flow becoming more regular. After the first few weeks of classes, I often felt overwhelmed, but the regular in-person practice guided by your team has helped quiet my mind and reminded me that everything can wait for a few mindful moments.

— Ugyen, Doctoral Student, School of Education & Human Development