Center for Contemplative Practice & Wellbeing
Center for Contemplative Practice & Wellbeing
What is contemplative practice?
“Contemplative practices are practical, radical, and transformative, developing capacities for deep concentration and quieting the mind in the midst of the action and distraction that fills everyday life. This state of calm centeredness is an aid to exploration of meaning, purpose and values. Contemplative practices can help develop greater empathy and communication skills, improve focus and attention, reduce stress and enhance creativity, supporting a loving and compassionate approach to life.” (www.contemplativemind.org/practices)
As part of Salem’s focus on health leadership, we are leading the way in providing support and tools for spiritual health and wellbeing. The new Center for Contemplative Practice & Wellbeing provides ongoing events, programs, and educational opportunities about how best to care for our spirits in the midst of a stressful world.
Opportunities
- Mindfulness - every Wednesday, 4:30-5pm, Little Chapel – Anam (Gaelic for “soul”) – a time of mindfulness for all college students
- Yoga with Angela Gallagher - every Tuesday 8-9am & every Thursday 4:30-5:30pm, Little Chapel – free classes for beginners to experienced students – open for all members of the Salem Academy & College Community (cosponsored with Athletics)
- Tai Chi with Dr. Jing Ye – every 2nd & 4th Tuesday, 12:30-1:15, at the Peace Pole behind the Student Center – free for beginners to experienced students – open for all members of the Salem Academy & College Community
- Mindful Mondays – every Monday, 12:30-12:50, Little Chapel – a time of mindfulness for Academy & College employees
The Contemplative Tree
Contemplative Practices are both individual and communal, still and active, quiet and loud. Join us as we care for ourselves, and lead others to a more centered way of living.
CMind. (2021). The Tree of Contemplative Practices [Illustration]. The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society.
Special Events
- Labyrinth Walk
December 6-8 in the Student Center Meeting Rooms; drop by anytime for your self-guided walk. Information will be available at the door.
- “Understanding Buddhist Meditation”
led by Rev. Jissan Michelle Nicolle, PhD, BCC
Buddhist priest & Chaplain for Wake Forest School of Medicine and Innovation Quarter
Monday, March 22, 5:30pm,
Student Center Meeting Rooms
- “White Supremacy in the American Church”
guest speaker - Dr. Kristopher Norris, author of Witnessing Whiteness
jointly sponsored with Black Student Union
Wednesday, Feb. 9, 5:30pm
Shirley Recital Hall
- “Create your own Journal with Spiritual Journaling”
jointly sponsored with Center for Women Writers
Monday, March 29, 6pm, Student Center Meeting Rooms
About the CCPW
The Founder and Director of the Center is Rev. Dr. Amy Rio, Chaplain of Salem Academy & College. Rev. Dr. Rio is a trained spiritual director and mentor with the Haden Institute as she continues to develop and explore the foundational importance of contemplative practice.
Rev. Dr. Rio was recognized as a local hero in the Winston-Salem community for making campus spiritual wellness a priority.