Past CSC Events

Join us for a casual conversation over lunch with Lara Merriken founder of LÄRABAR. Merriken started Larabar in her kitchen with a simple fruit-and-nut recipe and a belief that simplicity mattered. In this conversation, Lara shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey from founder to coach and advisor, and reflects on what she has learned about resilience, reinvention, and the space between achievement and fulfillment.

Mountainfilm on Tour visits Charlottesville on Saturday, April 18 at the Contemplative Commons. Join us for an evening of inspiring and captivating films handpicked from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado. Watch the trailer.

The Contemplative Sciences Center is pleased to co-sponsor this event with Yoga Cville. Discover the foundational strength and precision of Iyengar Yoga, a method focusing on alignment, sequencing, and the intelligent use of props to make poses accessible to all. This beginner-friendly practice benefits any level of practitioner by building strength, flexibility, and mindfulness through sustained, structured poses, bringing balance to body and mind.

The University of Virginia School of Nursing; School of Education and Human Development; and Contemplative Sciences Center are co-hosting a half day pan-University Compassionate Care Research Symposium related to compassion research and scholarship across Grounds. This symposium will explore compassion related research with an interdisciplinary focus and is intended to spark connections and collaborations.

UVA Rec and the Contemplative Sciences Center are partnering to offer students a retreat under the sun and stars at the Big Meadows campground in Shenandoah National Park. Come experience the awe of the morning and night skies. The retreat includes star-watching, a hike, and morning yoga practice.

Marc Brackett examines his own challenges dealing with emotions, explains the latest science of emotion regulation, and provides a set of practical, evidence-based strategies to help us use our feelings wisely to nurture healthy relationships, achieve ambitious goals, and experience greater well-being. At the heart of his message is acceptance: There are no bad emotions—only emotions we don't understand or know how to direct in positive, intentional ways. This event is free.

The Active Series was developed by Sharath Jois and derived from a traditional Ashtanga Yoga practice. It retains all the benefits of the traditional method keeping the linking of movement with breath but includes new more accessible postures for a wider range of students in a modern age and setting. Students from all levels will be able to participate in a non-intimidating inclusive setting. Classes are open to all.

Join us for this talk with Asa Jackson, multidisciplinary artist, curator, and director or the McColl Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jackson will discuss his work on display in the lobby of the Contemplative Commons. Titled Daybreak (Dawn of Consciousness 2), the work—composed of fabrics cut and sewn together—explores the cross section of textiles from various countries, time periods, and personal histories, transforming fabric into visual narratives.

Metaphor – using a more concrete example to express a more abstract idea or experience – is a fundamental feature of literature and language. The study of metaphor as a feature of language has long been central to literary studies. The study of Buddhist literature has given some attention to metaphor, drawing primarily from literary studies. In this workshop we week to identify features of metaphorical expression that are often a work in Buddhist contemplative literature. For UVA Graduate Students and Faculty.

Join us for this special event with Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche of Serenity Ridge; founder and spiritual director of Ligmincha International; and teacher and meditation master in the Bön Buddhist tradition of Tibet. Renowned for his ability to translate ancient Tibetan practices and traditions to practical steps for us to effectively manage the stress and pressures of our times. With a fascination for the use of modern technology to deepen our contemplative practices and wellbeing, and the father of a college-age adult, Rinpoche will share his thoughts and invite conversation for how to find serenity within ourselves and support it in each other.

Join facilitator Samantha Lane for Movement Monday: The 360 Emergence conscious dance and embodiment practice on April 6 from 5-6pm in Studio 1B. The 360 Emergence is a dynamic free-form, embodiment practice that bridges dance and personal growth, rigor and freedom, individuality and the global collective. The 360 functions as a living laboratory where collective care becomes the catalyst for heart-led coherence, respect and the evolution of human dignity. 

If you are dealing with (chronic) pain or recovering from an injury, this gentle yoga practice can help you find relief and renewed energy for self-care. Through breath work, movement and modifications, we cultivate a greater sense of body awareness in your healing journey. Please check with your physician for permission to participate. Instructor: Cindy Crace.

Unlock your AI Edge at this pizza and info session to learn more about the CARELab™ Mayor's Challenge for Community Change - 2026.

A practice of bringing the nervous system into the realm of deep relaxation with breath and guided meditation. Instructor: Allie Redshaw.

Artificial intelligence is being celebrated by techno-optimists as setting humanity on a glidepath into utopian futures of frictionless choice. Techno-pessimists warn that AI poses an existential threat to humanity and may curtail our abilities to choose our own futures. Distinguishing between AI tools and intelligent technology, this talk by Peter Hershock (University of Hawaii) will take a coevolutionary, "middle path" approach to understanding and responding to developments along the agential frontiers of human-AI interdependence to realize more humane futures for all.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS! Theme: “Nature and the Built Environment.” The Contemplative Sciences Center's Student Art Showcase invites UVA students to explore the relationship between the natural world and human-made design. How do architecture, landscapes, and everyday structures coexist with, or stand apart from, nature? Where do we find beauty, tension, or harmony in this intersection? Artists are encouraged to reflect on how environments, both organic and constructed, shape our experiences, identities, and ways of seeing the world. Artists are encouraged to interpret this theme in their own way.

Whether you'd like to learn American Mahjong or you already love the game and want to sharpen your skills, join us for a variety of curated sessions March 24-27, 2026. (National Mah Jongg League Rules.) Sessions will be led by a certified teacher. All levels encouraged to participate. Free and open to all.

An integrative practice with gentle guidance meant to welcome the day with stillness in the body and presence in the mind. Join in person or virtually on Zoom. Instructor: Allie Redshaw.

An integrative practice with gentle guidance meant to end the day with stillness in the body and presence in the mind. Instructor: Allie Redshaw.