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Two hands reaching toward each other
Special Event
Conflict, Power, & Dialogue: Faculty & Staff Lunch Series
Fri, Nov 13 2026, 12:00 - 1:30pm (Requires Registration)
The Space Between Us is a highly interactive workshop designed for faculty and staff who want to navigate disagreement more effectively, provide direct and constructive feedback, and build stronger professional relationships across differences in perspective, status, and expertise. Drawing on mindfulness, mediation, contemplative traditions, and conflict transformation, participants practice four essential skills: tuning inward to recognize their own reactions, observing without evaluation to separate facts from assumptions, expanding beyond positions to understand underlying needs and interests, and exploring conflict with curiosity rather than defensiveness.
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AI Anxiety + Human Flourishing
Special Event
AI Anxiety + Human Flourishing
Wed, Nov 18 - Thu, Nov 19 2026, All day (Requires Registration)
AI Anxiety + Human Flourishing will be held November 18-19, 2026 at the Contemplative Commons. Registration is now open! At a time when anxiety is increasingly felt about the rapid advancement, widespread adoption, and future uncertainty of artificial intelligence, this symposium convenes changemakers in emerging technology, higher education, and the contemplative sciences to address the driving question, “How can we prepare young adults for the future of AI?”
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AI Anxiety + Human Flourishing Student Salon over a picture of a nebula
Special Event
Student Salon: AI Anxiety + Human Flourishing
Wed, Nov 18 2026, 6:00 - 7:30pm (For Students)

The Contemplative Sciences Center will be hosting a Student-Led Salon on AI Anxiety + Human Flourishing. Though the discussion will closely relate to the topics being discussed and explored in the conference, it will also be an open space for discussion and processing relating to students experience with AI.

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Upcoming
Events

Students practice Ashtanga Yoga, reaching their arms up towards the ceiling in a room with wooden floors
Drop-in
Ashtanga Yoga: Mysore-Style
Mondays to Thursdays
6:00 - 9:00am
Open to All
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
Drop-in
Midday Mindfulness
Mondays to Fridays
12:00 - 12:20pm
Open to All
Students doing yoga at the Contemplative Commons
Drop-in
Active Series Micro-Residency Classes

Monday 11/9 & 11/16: 5:00 - 6:15pm
Tuesday 11/10 & 11/17: 6:30 - 7:45pm
Wednesday 11/11 & 11/18: 12:30 - 1:45pm

Open to All
tree on green background
Drop-in
Faith, Play, and Practice: Analog Hour

Wed, September 30 2026
Wed, October 14 2026
Wed, October 28 2026
Wed, November 11 2026
Wed, December 2 2026

3:00 - 4:00 PM 

Open to All
Four people sitting on cushions experiencing the exhibit in the Conservatory
Drop-in
Synaisthesis Open Hours
Mondays to Thursdays
3:00 - 7:30pm
Sunday and Saturdays
12:00 - 5:30pm
Fridays
3:00 - 5:30pm
Open to All
Students on yoga mats with arms raised in the Contemplative Commons
Student-Led
Peer-Led Yoga
Fridays
11:15am - 12:15pm
Sundays
12:15 - 1:15pm
Wednesdays
5:30 - 6:30pm
For UVA students

On 10/18, class will be held in Studio 3C.

Nora Brookfield demonstrating a yoga pose before a window at the Contemplative Commons
Drop-in
Yoga for Connection
Wednesdays
7:00 - 8:00pm
Open to All
Four students painting in the Contemplative Commons first floor gallery. More students are further back in the hallway.
Student-Led
Art Cart
Thursdays
3:00 - 6:00pm
Open to All
People stretching in front of yoga mats in the Contemplative Commons looking out at summer greenery
Drop-in
Therapeutic Yoga for Stress Management
Thursdays
5:00 - 5:45pm
Open to All
People meditating on mats
Drop-in
Yoga for Better Sleep
Thursdays
6:00 - 7:00pm
Open to All

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Special Events

The Omnisonan Project: Synaisthesis
— Special Event
Synaisthesis Premiere
Join the Contemplative Sciences Center and TechnoSonics for the debut of this live neuroart creation in the Conservatory. In partnership with TechnoSonics Festival, the Omnisonan Project, a new ensemble in the Contemplative Commons, launches its debut immersive light and sound exhibit, Synaisthesis in the CSC Conservatory. Omnisonan is a neuroart collaboration between Karianne Michelle (sound bowls), Matthew Burtner (computer music), R. Lee Kennedy (digital lighting), and David Acunzo (neuroscience). THIS EVENT IS FULL. Requires Registration.
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Two hands reaching toward each other
— Special Event
Conflict, Power, & Dialogue: Faculty & Staff Lunch Series
The Space Between Us is a highly interactive workshop designed for faculty and staff who want to navigate disagreement more effectively, provide direct and constructive feedback, and build stronger professional relationships across differences in perspective, status, and expertise. Drawing on mindfulness, mediation, contemplative traditions, and conflict transformation, participants practice four essential skills: tuning inward to recognize their own reactions, observing without evaluation to separate facts from assumptions, expanding beyond positions to understand underlying needs and interests, and exploring conflict with curiosity rather than defensiveness. Requires Registration.
View
AI Anxiety + Human Flourishing
— Special Event
AI Anxiety + Human Flourishing
AI Anxiety + Human Flourishing will be held November 18-19, 2026 at the Contemplative Commons. Registration is now open! At a time when anxiety is increasingly felt about the rapid advancement, widespread adoption, and future uncertainty of artificial intelligence, this symposium convenes changemakers in emerging technology, higher education, and the contemplative sciences to address the driving question, “How can we prepare young adults for the future of AI?” Requires Registration.
View
AI Anxiety + Human Flourishing Student Salon over a picture of a nebula
— Special Event
Student Salon: AI Anxiety + Human Flourishing

The Contemplative Sciences Center will be hosting a Student-Led Salon on AI Anxiety + Human Flourishing. Though the discussion will closely relate to the topics being discussed and explored in the conference, it will also be an open space for discussion and processing relating to students experience with AI. The discussion will be moderated by other students and prompts will be provided to help stimulate conversation.

For Students.
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The University of Virginia Rotunda in the snow
— Special Event
Faculty Winter Wellness Retreat Day
As the semester’s demands crest alongside holiday pressures, join us for a faculty-centered day dedicated to rest, connection, and renewal. Rooted in the spirit of hygge, the practice of finding warmth and coziness in the everyday, this retreat for UVA faculty members isn’t about escaping the season; it's about remembering to pause in the busyness. The day offers two full rounds of programming blending movement, nature, community, and stillness to help you navigate winter blues and end of season stress. Choose your own adventure of T’ai Chi, nature connection, two interactive workshops offering practical tools to carry into the new year, and a restorative soundbath. Requires Registration.
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Poster for Salon: PAIN with Patrick Finn's photo
— Special Event
Salon: Pain
Humans are fundamentally motivated to pursue pleasure and avoid pain. Yet, our behavior is bounded by floors and ceilings for these phenomena. Pain is (mostly) necessary for survival, so we can’t avoid it entirely. And unchecked pleasure can spiral into harm, so “everything in moderation” is commonly accepted wisdom. How do these tensions manifest when the natural order of pain and pleasure become distorted (e.g., chronic pain; substance use disorder)? This discussion will address these questions through the lens of affective neuroscience, psychology, and contemplative practices. Open to All.
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Drop-in Events

Students practice Ashtanga Yoga, reaching their arms up towards the ceiling in a room with wooden floors
Ashtanga Yoga: Mysore-Style Sessions (Mon-Thu)
Mondays to Thursdays
6:00 - 9:00am
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. Open to All.
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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
Midday Mindfulness
Mondays to Fridays
12:00 - 12:20pm

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. 

Open to All.
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Students doing yoga at the Contemplative Commons
Active Series Micro-Residency Classes
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. Open to All.
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tree on green background
Faith, Play, and Practice: Analog Hour

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.

Open to All.
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Four people sitting on cushions experiencing the exhibit in the Conservatory
Synaisthesis Open Hours
Mondays to Thursdays
3:00 - 7:30pm
Fridays
3:00 - 5:30pm
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. Open to All.
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Students on yoga mats with arms raised in the Contemplative Commons
Peer-Led Yoga
Fridays
11:15am - 12:15pm
Wednesdays
5:30 - 6:30pm
Yoga is for everyone! Come and enjoy beginner friendly yoga practices led by members of our student peer programming team who have completed their yoga teacher training! Friday and Sunday classes meet in Studio 3B (300). Wednesday classes meet in Studio 3D (304). For UVA students.

On 10/18, class will be held in Studio 3C.

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Nora Brookfield demonstrating a yoga pose before a window at the Contemplative Commons
Yoga for Connection
Wednesdays
7:00 - 8:00pm
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. Open to All.
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Four students painting in the Contemplative Commons first floor gallery. More students are further back in the hallway.
Art Cart
Thursdays
3:00 - 6:00pm

The Peer Programming Team will be holding a weekly, rotating art or craft in the Contemplative Commons to provide an opportunity for anyone interested to enjoy some relaxing arts and crafts while engaging in community. Each session will feature an art or craft relevant to the time of year (pumpkin painting in October, snow flakes in December, etc.), along with some tried and true options that have been enjoyed in the past, such as crocheting, color by numbers, sticker making, and more! 

Open to All.
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People stretching in front of yoga mats in the Contemplative Commons looking out at summer greenery
Therapeutic Yoga for Stress Management
Thursdays
5:00 - 5:45pm
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. Open to All.
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People meditating on mats
Yoga for Better Sleep
Thursdays
6:00 - 7:00pm
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. Open to All.
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Yoga class touching toes
Ashtanga Yoga: Sanskrit-Counted Led Primary Series
Fridays
6:30 - 8:00am
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. Open to All.
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Students around a table discussing yoga with John Bultman
Chai & Chats (Yoga Q&A)
Fridays
8:00 - 9:00am
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. Open to All.
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