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 4th floor in Studio 4A from 12:00-12:20am Monday-Fridays with an optional reflection until 12:30pm. Led by various instructors.

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