Mindfulness events coming to campus

Students, faculty and staff members will have the opportunity to learn more about the practice of mindfulness by participating in one of several sessions led by Donald McCown on Friday, October 23. 

McCown is an assistant professor and director of the Center for Contemplative Studies at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. He was the director of the Mindfulness institute at the Jefferson-Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine. Mindfulness is the act of bringing attention to the present moment without judgment, and a way to manage stress and improve one’s quality of life. 

On Thursday, October 22, McCown will hold a hands-on event for students from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center, room 2263. The event is LIB 100/201 approved.

Friday will begin with a "Mindful Triathlon" at 7 a.m. at the Kelly Family Sports Center. Students, faculty and staff members can participate in a triathlon consisting of a 15-minute walk or run, a 15-minute yoga session and a 15-minute guided meditation session.

McCown's presentations are below. Register online at www.gvsu.edu/sprout.

• Wellness and “Withness:" Mindful Care for Self and Others: 9-10:30 a.m., Kirkhof Center, Pere Marquette Room. Continental breakfast will be served. 

• Contemplative Classrooms: Empirical Evidence and Practical Applications: Geared for faculty, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Kirkhof Center, Pere Marquette Room. Lunch will be served. 

• The Mindful Campus: Cultivating Awareness and Connection in a World of Distraction: 2-3:30 p.m., Seidman Center, room 1008A. Students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in a forum on mindfulness.