Hariprasad begins each session with a brief description of how the interaction will unfold. From there, you are led into either walking or seated mediation for approximately 20 – 30 minutes, as you collectively engage with mindfulness in silence with fellow participants. The session concludes with a moment of reflection, providing you with an opportunity to learn more about the individuals you have taken this journey with, and how your collective experiences relate to art. The instructor provides closure by offering a brief meditation and encouragement to the group about being mindful each day.

Today’s theme is softness and vulnerability as a pathway to liberation. We will consider an excerpt of an interview with the artist Michelle Lopez, in which she talks about the potential of everything falling apart, and the relationship of the artist’s body to the work of art during the creative process.

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

Bio

Hariprasad Kowtha hails from the Southwestern United States. He has been practicing Eastern spirituality all his life, and began a physical mindfulness practice by age eleven. Hariprasad teaches hatha yoga at community centers and yoga studios in West Philadelphia. He welcomes everyone to his classes, regardless of experience or ability. He bases all his practices on collective liberation, believing that mindfulness is foundational to self-determination.

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.