Event Blast: Practice Day 2014

Naropa’s Community Practice Day is a unique event held each semester, typically on Tuesday of the eighth week of the semester. On this day, administrative offices are closed and classes are not held. The entire community is invited to participate. This year, Practice Day is on Tuesday, October 7th.

The day opens with a session of sitting and walking meditation, followed by a main talk presented by a faculty panel or guest speaker on a specific theme. Some of the themes in past years have been “Spiritual but Not Religious”, “Body Fullness”, and “Writing from the Lip of the Void”. The theme for Fall 2014 is “Celebrating Body, Speech, and Mind through Stillness and Movement.”

In the afternoon, individuals can select several workshops in which to engage. The workshops give participants an opportunity to explore various contemplative practices, some of which include movement, art-making, yoga, music, prayer, meditation, engaged social activities, and awareness around environmental issues, sustainability, and diversity. Also included are practices from various traditions and religious orientations such as Sufism, Paganism, Christianity, and Buddhism. The focus of these workshops is on experience and enjoyment of a variety of mindfulness practices that are foundational to Naropa’s contemplative pedagogy.

Most of all, Practice Day gives us an opportunity to strengthen our sense of community by joining in activities outside of our usual roles so that we may develop a deeper appreciation for the work that we do together in our daily roles as students, staff, and faculty.

We look forward to sharing in practice with you! Below is the schedule for Practice Day.