For Students: Join the Contemplative Sciences Center Friday, September 26 the Ginkgo Garden courtyard for a playful and mind-expanding workshop in mixed media illustration—using your non-dominant hand!
Past CSC Events
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Register here. Open to all!
Want to witness the fall warbler migration? Join the Contemplative Sciences Center for a nature walk with birding and Bodo's at the O-Hill Trails. We will meet at the trailhead at 8:00am. Bagels will be provided!
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For UVA Students: UVA Rec and the Contemplative Sciences Center are partnering to offer students a retreat under the sun and stars at the Big Meadows campground in Shenandoah National Park. Come experience the awe of the morning and night skies. The retreat includes star-watching, a hike, and morning yoga practice. Transportation provided.
Drawing on decades of work with individuals navigating loss, Dr. Kim Penberthy highlights contemplative and therapeutic approaches to understanding and healing grief.
Student-led: Open to All. Join University Records, Hoos on Aux, and the Contemplative Sciences Center for an acoustic jam session! Bring your acoustic instruments to play, or just sit back and enjoy the music.
There will be light refreshments and opportunities to explore the intersections of music and contemplative practice.
The event will take place at the Contemplative Commons Gingko Garden Courtyard near the Dell Pond from 5:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Join us for a reception and artist talk with New York-based multidisciplinary artist Meg Hitchcock, creator of The Sea, Parts I and II, currently on display in the Contemplative Commons First Floor Gallery! This event is free and open to the public.
3:30 pm - Art viewing in the Gallery (first floor)
4:00 pm - Artist talk, Q&A, and refreshments in the Alchemy (fourth floor)
For UVA Students: Curious about the Contemplative Commons? Come and explore the space and enjoy a cool refreshing popsicle provided by La Flor Michoacana!
There will be student-led activities, plus opportunities to explore the various spaces within the Contemplative Commons; a fun felt pennant-making spot for your dorm room; tours of the building and contemplative spaces; and popsicles on the 4th floor in the Alchemy.
View the recording of the talk here.
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Discuss yoga-related topics over authentic chai-tea and snacks. Led by CSC’s Ashtanga Yoga Program Manager, John Bultman. All are welcome. No physical practice required.
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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.
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Join us for a brief midday pause Monday-Fridays in the peaceful environment of the Contemplative Commons. Open and accessible to beginners and advanced practitioners alike, these sessions are short and guided and have time for questions and discussion. Led by the Contemplative Sciences Center and and a variety of guest instructors. Feel free to drop in from 12-12:20pm any weekday.
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The Elements of Peace Summer Program offers youth (ages 11-15) a nature immersion retreat—a fun, screen-free experience for rest, reflection, and connection before the next school year begins. Rooted in mindfulness, creative expression, and deep connection with nature, we invite participants to slow down, reflect, and engage in community-building while developing tools for peaceful leadership, such as compassionate communication, visioning, and environmental stewardship.
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BEGINS JULY 22
Take a weekly pause with this new restorative drop-in! Each session will include gentle yoga and meditation practices to help you feel refreshed for the rest of your day. This restorative yoga practice facilitates deep relaxation and is suited for both beginners and those with more experience.
Supports and mats will be available.
Tuesdays, 12:00 - 12:45 pm
The Contemplative Sciences Center is excited to collaborate with our partner CARE360 to pilot an 8-day innovative conscious AI program for young people, CARELab Incubator: Conscious AI. The program will be held at the University of Virginia's Rotunda, July 14-July 27, 2025.
Led by innovators in contemplative sciences scholarship, computer science, and contemplative facilitation, Virtual Reality Meditation explores how ancient meditative practices are being innovated to simulate experiences within the virtual landscape, particularly the aNUma “numadelic” aesthetic experience. Demos of Virtual Reality will accompany the discussion. Join us to discuss these new worlds of meditation.
Reunions 2025 is for classes of 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020. Bring It Back to Grounds this summer for one spectacular weekend of Reunions activities!
Salons are monthly open dialogues on cutting-edge research related to contemplation and flourishing with UVA and local community members in the Contemplative Commons, hosted by CSC's CIRCL: Contemplative Innovation + Research Co-Lab. Centered on a single word, these gatherings bring together scholars, scientists, and practitioners from diverse perspectives to exchange ideas, generate knowledge, and seek solutions to global challenges.
With finals closing in, the Contemplative Commons is providing a space for students to study in preparation for finals, as well as take a moment to engage in some contemplative practice.
An optional yoga session will be offered from 1:00 - 2:00 pm for those who with to practice. Roots will be delivered following the yoga session around 2:00 pm to help fuel your studying, and your overall wellness. Though finals are important, your value to this community is far greater.