This winter, ICA is relaunching Mindfulness at the Museum, a series of drop-in sessions focused on helping our wider community—inside and outside of the museum—to have access to tools to become more aware. Mindfulness meditation can help us to develop healthier minds and bodies, reduce stress, foster compassion, and increase our memory skills, among many other studied benefits. Participants may discover that this appreciation of the “here and now” extends outside the museum.

This season, we welcome back mindfulness practitioners Sandi Herman and Hariprasad Kowtha, and we’re also joined by two new instructors: Kate Johnson and Shesheena Bray.

These free drop-in sessions are open to all. No special clothing is required. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. No prior meditation experience is necessary.

MINDFULNESS AT THE MUSEUM WITH SHESHEENA BRAY
12PM to 1PM
February 23, March 23, April 13, May 18, June 8, July 13, August 10

These sessions are guided by Shesheena Bray. Understanding the critical connection between mind, body and breath has tremendous implications for healing and stress reduction. During our sessions, participants will tap into their breath to explore tensions in the body while quieting their minds. Weekly sessions will incorporate guided meditation, and introduction to breathwork and intention setting.

MINDFULNESS AT THE MUSEUM WITH SANDI HERMAN
12PM to 1PM
February 9, March 16, April 20, May 11, June 29, August 3

Join us as we consciously connect with the breath—and with the light, colors, shapes, and textures of the museum. This meditation workshop introduces participants to everyday mindfulness, focusing on the present moment with kindness, compassion, and awareness. We will begin with a guided meditation in a seated posture, as participants are invited to slow down, to follow their breath, and to use all their senses. With this present moment awareness, participants will then move into walking meditation, as they make their way through the gallery, opening themselves to the art, people, and sounds that they may encounter.

MINDFULNESS AT THE MUSEUM WITH KATE JOHNSON
12PM to 1PM
February 16, March 9, April 27, May 25, June 15, July 27

Move your way into mindfulness with 20 minutes of gentle stretching, awareness-based movement and breathing practices, before settling into the stillness of a 20 minute guided sitting meditation session. We’ll continue with a brief discussion of the practice, guided by the themes of the current exhibition, and close with setting an intention to guide the rest of your day.

MINDFULNESS AT THE MUSEUM WITH HARIPRASAD KOWTHA
12PM to 1PM
March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, June 22, July 6

The session begins with a brief mindfulness instruction, whether it is a walking practice or a seated one. Next, we will practice mindfulness together in silence for around twenty to thirty minutes. Then, after brief introductions, we will read a small part of the curator’s notes together aloud, and begin a discussion about mindfulness practice, art and any other thoughts that might arise. We end the session with a short meditation and a dedication of the merits of our practice to the world around us.