This session begins with 20-minutes of gentle stretching, followed by awareness-based movements, and breathing exercises, before settling into the stillness of 20-minutes of seated meditation. It continues with a brief discussion of mindfulness as it relates to the themes explored through the current exhibitions on view, and concludes with Kate guiding participants through the process of setting a purposeful tone for the remainder of their day.

This week, our session will center around the themes of impermanence and transformation, two liberating insights into the nature of reality that are observable through mindfulness practice. We’ll begin by considering Joy Episalla’s foldtogram, an installation that is made to change over time and space, as a jumping off point for our practice and discussion.

Participation is free and open to all. Prior meditation experience and special clothing is not required.

Bio

Kate Johnson has been practicing Buddhist meditation in the western Insight/Theravada tradition since her early 20’s, and is empowered as a teacher through the Spirit Rock Meditation Center. She holds a BFA in Dance from the Alvin Ailey School at Fordham University and MA in Performance Studies from NYU. She brings her experience in somatics, creativity, and social change to her mindfulness classes at ICA.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness at the Museum is a series of drop-in guided meditation sessions facilitated by skilled holistic practitioners. Our exhibitions serve as the backdrop, as you learn how to become present in the “here and now.” Research shows mindfulness meditation can increase memory skills, foster compassion, and reduce stress. Each encounter is unique from the last, drawing synthesis between the mind and body, leaving participants equipped with knowledge on how to lead a balanced life.

Programming at ICA has been made possible in part by the Emily and Jerry Spiegel Fund to Support Contemporary Culture and Visual Arts and the Lise Spiegel Wilks and Jeffrey Wilks Family Foundation, and by Hilarie L. & Mitchell Morgan.