New CSC Offerings for November & December

Looking for new ways to bring mindfulness, movement, creativity, and connection into your routine this November and December? The University of Virginia’s Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) has a full calendar of upcoming programs and community events. From yoga and sound experiences to creative workshops and opportunities for meaningful conversation, there are plenty of ways to pause, recharge, and explore contemplative practices.

Most offerings are free and open to the public!

Upcoming Special Events

November 13, 2026 | 12–1:30 p.m.

The Space Between Us: Practical Skills for Difficult Conversations

Part of the Conflict, Power, & Dialogue: Faculty & Staff Lunch Series, this interactive workshop explores how to navigate disagreement, offer constructive feedback, and strengthen professional relationships across differences in perspective, status, and expertise.

Free and open to the public. Registration required.

Register for the workshop

November 18, December 2 & 9, 2026 | 5:15–6:30 p.m.

Introduction to Iyengar Yoga

Looking for a way to release tension after long hours at a desk or computer? This three-part series introduces the foundations of Iyengar yoga, emphasizing posture and alignment, with particular attention to the neck, shoulders, and hips. Beginners are especially welcome.

Free and open to the public. Drop-ins allowed.

Learn more about the series

December 10, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Faculty Winter Wellness Retreat Day

As the semester winds down and holiday demands begin to build, take time to rest and reconnect. This faculty-centered wellness day offers opportunities for renewal, community, and reflection. Participants may attend activities as their schedules allow.

Free and open to the public. Registration required.

Register for the retreat

December 10, 2026 | 5–6:30 p.m.

Salon: PAIN with Patrick Finan

How do we understand pain and pleasure when their natural relationship becomes distorted, as in chronic pain or substance use disorder? Explore these questions through affective neuroscience, psychology, and contemplative practices.

Free and open to the public.

Learn more

Find Your Weekly Practice

In addition to special events, the CSC offers recurring programs throughout the week. Whether you're interested in mindful movement, creative expression, quiet reflection, or spending time in community, there's something for everyone.

Mondays: Movement, Yoga & Embodied Awareness

• Movement Mondays: The 360 Emergence | 5–6 p.m. Explore conscious dance and embodiment with facilitator Samantha Lane through a practice that bridges movement, personal growth, and connection.
• Active Series | 5–6:30 p.m. Experience an accessible, all-level practice inspired by traditional Ashtanga Yoga, linking movement and breath.
• Movement Mondays: Ways of Attending | 6:30–7:30 p.m. Explore movement, awareness, and embodied attention through activities inspired by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais.

Tuesdays: Nature, Film & Resilience

• Contemplative Bird Watching Walks | 8–9:30 a.m. Join the student peer programming team for a mindful walk around the O-Hill trailhead. Bagels are provided. No session November 3.
• Contemplative Film Club | 4–7 p.m. Explore contemplation through film, followed by community discussion and light refreshments. Upcoming screenings include Everything Everywhere All at Once on November 10 and Perfect Days on December 1.
• Yoga for Resilience | 5:30–6:30 p.m. Explore the relationship between breath, the body, and the autonomic nervous system through mindful movement. No session November 3.

Wednesdays: Creativity & Connection

• Faith, Play, and Practice: Analog Hour | Every other Wednesday, 3–4 p.m. In partnership with Theological Horizons, this screen-free gathering invites students and community members to explore creativity, spirituality, and reflection. Upcoming sessions: November 11 and December 2.
• Peer-Led Yoga | 5:30–6:30 p.m. Enjoy beginner-friendly yoga led by members of the student peer programming team.
• Yoga for Connection | 7–8 p.m. Build vitality and community through an upbeat, heart-centered yoga flow.

Thursdays: Art & Restorative Yoga

• Art Cart | 3–6 p.m. Join the student programming team for rotating arts and crafts activities.
• Therapeutic Yoga for Stress Management | 5–5:45 p.m. Explore yoga practices designed to support stress relief, sleep, and connection.
• Yoga for Better Sleep | 6–7 p.m. Slow down with a restorative practice focused on calming the body, relaxing the breath, and preparing for restful sleep.

Fridays: Yoga, Conversation & REST FEST

• Ashtanga Yoga: Sanskrit-Counted Led Primary Series | 6:30–8 a.m. Practice the traditional Ashtanga primary series, linking movement and breath through instructor-led guidance.
• Chai and Chats | 8–9 a.m. Stay after morning yoga for tea, snacks, and informal conversation.
• Peer-Led Yoga | 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Enjoy an accessible, beginner-friendly yoga practice.
• REST FEST | 1–4:30 p.m. Recharge with a rotating lineup of restorative practices: sound baths (1–2 p.m.), Qi Gong (2:30–3:30 p.m.), yoga (3–4 p.m.), and T'ai Chi (3:30–4:30 p.m.).

Sundays: Slow Down & Recharge

• Peer-Led Yoga | 12:15–1:15 p.m. Start your afternoon with a welcoming, beginner-friendly yoga class.
• Write and Reset | 12:15–1:30 p.m. Ease into the week with a quiet journaling practice.
• Contemplative Capoeira | 2–3 p.m. Explore mind-body awareness through movement, music, and community. No session November 15.
• Sound Bath | 2–3 p.m. Experience a meditative sound journey with gentle vibrations from chimes, drums, and singing bowls.
• Reading Unplugged | 2–5 p.m. Put away your screens and enjoy an afternoon of quiet, screen-free reading. Snacks are provided.
• Ashtanga Yoga Drop-in Led Class | 4–5 p.m. Enjoy a welcoming Sunday practice and build a yoga routine that works for your experience and ability level.

Plan Your Visit

The Contemplative Commons welcomes students, faculty, staff, and community members throughout the week.

Contemplative Commons Hours

• Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Sunday: 12–6 p.m.
• November 3: Closed

Most CSC programs are free and open to the public. Some special events require advance registration, so check event details before attending.

Explore the Full CSC Calendar

Whether you're looking to try a new yoga practice, spend time creating, reconnect with nature, or simply take a mindful break in your day, the Contemplative Sciences Center offers opportunities to cultivate presence, connection, and well-being.

Visit the CSC Events Calendar to explore the full schedule, find program details, and register for upcoming events.

Explore the CSC Events Calendar

Take a moment for yourself. There's a place for you at the Contemplative Commons!

Ruth Ferneyhough Joins UVAFinance as Service Experience Associate

Welcome Ruth!

Ruth Ferneyhough’s path into finance began with customer service. She started her career as a cashier at Harris Teeter and Food Lion before moving from the register to the customer service side of the business. There, her work expanded beyond handling money to answering questions, solving problems, and helping customers find what they needed.

These experiences eventually led Ferneyhough into banking, where she spent six years further developing her financial knowledge and customer service skills. When she reached a point where there was limited room to advance within her tier, she began looking for an opportunity to expand her experience. UVA had long been a place she was interested in working, and with her background in banking and customer service, UVA Finance stood out as the right place to continue her career.

Since joining UVAFinance, Ferneyhough has found a team willing to support her as she learns her new role as a Service Experience Associate. Ferneyhough has especially appreciated the support of her new team as she learns the ropes. “I don't even know if there are words to describe just how tight-knit the group is that we have here,” she said. Even when she has questions the team may have answered before, her colleagues remain patient and willing to walk her through the process, making the transition into UVA Finance a welcoming one.

While her new role continues to center on helping customers, the way Ferneyhough provides that support has changed. In banking, she worked with customers face-to-face and often had to respond to questions on the spot. At UVA Finance, she has more time to research a question, work through the details, and determine the best solution. “You have your time to answer, and you're able to do your research and dig into the problem a little more,” Ferneyhough said. “I think you can offer them a better solution since you've had the time.”

Outside of work, Ferneyhough spends much of her time with her five-year-old son. The two enjoy being outdoors, taking walks and hiking together. Some of their favorite places to visit are Sherando Lake and the Humpback Rocks Picnic Area, where her son has plenty of space to explore and use his energy.

Ferneyhough also enjoys reading and baking. Science fiction and fantasy are among her favorite genres, with The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter among her favorites. In the kitchen, she keeps things classic. Her favorite thing to make, and eat, is a traditional cinnamon roll.