Resources for Well-Being
Latest News
Kelly Crace Named Executive Director of the Contemplative Sciences Center
Crace will officially begin his new post in January 2025.
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We find ourselves in an unprecedented time in human history facing a new reality of social distancing, fear and anxiety over a highly uncertain future, and concern for the health and well-being of ourselves, loved ones, and society. The situation is rapidly changing and evolving globally in front of our eyes as we watch the news and respond to pings from our phones throughout the day. As individuals and as a society, now more than ever, we must draw upon our innate capacity for resilience and cultivate an ability to be deeply present, calm, and grounded when faced with the challenges this pandemic presents daily. We must bring forth the best qualities of our human nature: our kindness, care, and compassion towards ourselves and our loved ones, classmates, co-workers, neighbors, and fellow global citizens.
Insight Timer
UVA students, faculty, and staff have free access to the premium (paid) Member Plus content on this award-winning smartphone app and web portal featuring a meditation timer and the world’s largest free repository of guided meditations and related tools. CSC has curated playlists including Contemplation and Racial Justice, Relaxation, Self-care, Sleeping Well. Learn more.
Meditation Resource Page
CSC has compiled a list of resources and opportunities related to meditation from Tips for Beginner Meditators to events being offered, such as the Virtual Meditation on the Lawn Series. Learn more.
Virtual Classes
We offer contemplative drop-in classes for students as well as Ashtanga yoga classes shown here.
Resources for UVA Parents
CSC and other organizations and departments across the University of Virginia are dedicated to helping students flourish and cultivate well-being during their time on UVA Grounds and beyond. There are many opportunities and resources available to you and your students. You may view them here.
CSC Newsletter
Subscribe here.
Upcoming Events
• Ongoing Ashtanga yoga classes
• Sharath Jois announces new Active Series.
• SoundCloud: Interviews and meditations for contemplation such as Breathwork for Social Change, Springing into Joy Meditaiton, and much more.
Ashtanga Yoga Videos and Q&A Series
Practice and Process: Conversations With Esteemed Yoga Teachers - Q&A
10- & 30-minute Ashtanga practice videos
Hour-long Virtual Meditation Video
Learn more here.
Meditation Audio
Practice of Kindness & Care
Research shows that meditations focused on cultivating kindness, goodwill, and warmth toward oneself and others can increase one’s sense of well-being, and social connection. Practices like this one are particularly helpful when faced with the challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic presents daily.
CSC's Article published in UVA Today.
Maintaining a Sense of Social Connection and a Time of Social Distancing
Tools, research, and best practices for staying connected.
REACH OUT TO US
For queries or just to talk with us:
Director of Advancement: Kayti Sewell at kayti@virginia.edu
Communications: Ellen Daniels at edaniels@virginia.edu
Contact information for additional CSC staff may be found here.