Contemplation Week at SHU  

The Center for Faculty Development is sponsoring the first annual Contemplation Week, a week-long series of events designed to promote mindfulness, contemplative practice, and contemplative pedagogy. While we may have to forgo spring break this year, Contemplation Week can be a time to refresh and renew. The schedule includes the following events:

March 15-19, 8:30 - 9:15 a.m.
"Daily Contemplation"
Start each day this week with a 30-45-minute session where you can learn about and try a different form of contemplative practice.

March 15, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
"The Science of Mindfulness
Learn about the physical and psychological benefits contemplative practices.

March 16, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
"Meditation for the Classroom"
Hear from faculty members who use meditation in their classes to help students focus and take a mindful approach to their learning.

March 17, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
"Contemplative Pedagogy: An Introduction"
Learn about the tenets of contemplative pedagogy and how can it help to improve teaching and learning.

March 18, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
"Touching the Infinite: Exploring the Sacred Minimalism of Arvo Pärt"
An exploration of the work of one of the most performed living composers.

March 18, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
"The 5 Powers"
An award-winning film about Thich Nhat Hanh, Sister Chan Kong, Alfred Hassler, and their involvement with the peace movement of the 1960’s.

March 19, 11:00 - 12:00 p.m.
"Contemplative Drawing"
Learn how "see" the world around you more mindfully through contemplative drawing. All you'll need is a pencil and paper.

March 19, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
"SHU Meditates"
An hour-long guided meditation session for the whole Seton Hall Community.

An announcement and calendar listings with links to all events will be forthcoming.

In addition, all members of the university community are invited to take up a "Contemplative Challenge" each day of Contemplation Week. Here are some ideas:

• Monday: Breathe. Try to take a deep breath every time you complete an activity.
• Tuesday: Loving kindness. Think of all the good things you wish for yourself. Wish those things for the people you encounter throughout the day.
• Wednesday: Contemplative walking. At some point during the day, make a point to walk in a mindful manner wherever you are going. Walk slowly. Pay attention to the sensation of your feet on the ground. Notice things around you.
• Thursday: Email/text mindfully. Before clicking "send," take a deep breath. Think about how the other person will read this message.
• Friday: Mindful eating. Eat one meal with no distractions (talking, screens, reading, etc.). Try to savor each bite and notice things about the food you are eating.

For additional information about Contemplation Week or the Contemplative Community Initiative, contact Mary Balkun.

Categories: Campus Life