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UVA Alumni Reunions 2026 - at the Contemplative Commons

As part of Alumni weekend 2026, the Contemplative Commons will host a restorative afternoon of contemplative and wellness offerings designed for UVA Reunion alumni on Friday June 5, 2026 and an open house and golden hour for alumni on Saturday June 6, 2026. All alumni are welcome to explore the Contemplative Commons, attend practices, and experience the space throughout both afternoons. Participants must register with the UVA Alumni Association.

Compassionate Schools Project Educator Retreat

Join us for a day of community, connection, peace in nature, joy in creative and contemplative practices, and celebration of educators! Offerings to include meditation, yoga, contemplative music and crafts, nature walk, sound bath, lunch, snacks, and more. For Charlottesville City Schools, Albemarle County Public Schools, and Community Partner

The Spiritual Roots of Yoga — Free Public Talk and Guided Meditation

In this free public talk and guided meditation, Sister Brahmani, a nun of Self-Realization Fellowship, will explore the spiritual roots of yoga through the wisdom of Paramahansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi, who helped bring India's ancient science of yoga meditation to the West and whose universal teachings continue to inspire seekers around the world. Discover how timeless guidance for revealing the peace, joy, and spiritual potential within each one of us can bring greater fulfillment to your life. Free and open to the public.

Active Series Yoga (Tuesdays)

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.

Sound Bath at the Commons - 8.21.2026

Join us for a relaxing sound bath at the Contemplative Commons. Free and open to the public.

Active Series Yoga (Mondays)

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.

Friday Rest Fest

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.

Contemplative Bird Watching Walks

The Peer Programming Team will be leading a contemplative Bird Watching walk around the Perimeter Loop starting at the O-Hill trailhead weekly, open to all. Bagels will be provided and additional sets of binoculars will be available, although participants are encouraged to bring their own if available.

Yoga for Resilience

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.