Faith, Play, and Practice: Analog Hour

Faith, Play, and Practice: Analog Hour is a chance for students and community members to engage in hands-on and screen free activities in the Contemplative Sciences Center. Step away from your daily grind and enjoy a mid-week contemplative practice that engages your childlike sense of play. Facilitators will guide participants through a new exercise each session that encourages deep reflection and presence. Learn more about the spiritual significance of mindful moments and share a meal with the Theological Horizons community.

Participants will engage in a contemplative practice grounded in a meaningful theological context. Before beginning the practice, participants will mingle and partake in a small catered meal. A short reading will ground the activity in its potential spiritual significance for faithful participants. The group will then be led in a hands-on, analog activity which encourages deep reflection. To conclude the practice, participants will have the chance to discuss the impact of the time they spent and will write on a small piece of paper what the secret significance of this practice was in their lives

Oct 28, 2026
The Art of Blessing, with Reverend Carolyn Mitchell Dillard
Rev. Dr. Carolyn Dillard will engage participants in an intentional and meaningful exercise of composing written blessings as an intentional expression of kindness, gratitude, compassion, and goodwill. During this hour we will be reminded that belovedness is not something we achieve; it is something we awaken to. When self-actualized, belovedness can serve as a beautiful foundation to affirm and value others.

Nov 11, 2026
Movement/ Dance - Spirituality in motion, with Prof. Emily Wright
UVA Lecturer in Dance and somatic coach Emily Wright will guide simple practices of embodied attention and gentle movement, inviting participants into a relationship with the body rooted in curiosity and care. Participants will explore how attending to the body as the ground of our lived experience can deepen our connection with ourselves and others. These accessible practices can be incorporated into everyday life.

Dec 2, 2026
Visio Divina/Advent art contemplation, with Hunter Hollins
Hunter Hollins, PhD student in Religious Studies and COO of the Fralin Museum of Art will be facilitating a workshop on visio divina (sacred viewing) exploring the contemplative and spiritual power of this ancient practice. Participants will experiment with “seeing” from a new place, not with your physical eyes, but with your heart.

Past Sessions

Sept 30, 2026: Engaging Awe
Dr. Greg Gelburd will be leading students through a walking meditation that centers the breath. The goal is to engage in “awe”, appreciation of nature and life, by focusing on the breath. Students will be instructed in the mediation practice and have the chance to try it out for themselves around the Dell Pond.

Oct 14, 2026: Watercolor Workshop
Local artist and Associate Director of Theological Horizons Christy Yates will be facilitating a watercolor workshop, in which participants will explore the contemplative potential of this medium. Christy will speak to the spiritual significance of her art practice while engaging in hands-on water color play.