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.

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.

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!

Monday, November 2, 2026