The Art of Being: A Mindful Journey

The Art of Being: A Mindful Journey Through Sitting, Sound, Mandala and Movement Sunday April 26th at the Art Gallery of Hamilton

123 King Street West

9am to 4pm

We invite you to a special day dedicated to cultivating joy and presence in everyday life through different mindfulness meditation experiences. By exploring mindfulness through a variety of practices, we can enhance our ability to be fully engaged in each moment. Experienced meditators will appreciate the chance to deepen their practice. People new to meditation will have a chance to explore approaches other than formal sitting to experience the art and beauty of living mindfully.

Admission to the Art Gallery comes with your registration. You may wish to browse the galleries during the lunch break, or from 4 to 5pm after our workshop ends and before AGH closes, or if there is a workshop you choose not to attend, you may browse the galleries or find a quiet space to just be for a while.

Sessions include:

Mindfulness Through Sound

Journey through a sound bath meditation; an intentional, traditional healing practice that ebb and flows with the power of sound, frequency and vibration to tune into your creative consciousness. As the waves of sound from quartz singing bowls flow in, you are invited to rest. The session will be led by Melaina Gasbarrino founder of SALT to TREE, a wellness company she created to welcome us all into a place of ease.

Mindfulness Through Slow Looking

Did you know that the average time spent looking at a work of art is just 17 seconds? In this session, you will select a painting and engage in deep, mindful observation, spending many minutes gazing at the artwork. Stools or yoga mats for sitting are provided. Led by Laurie Kilgour-Walsh, Head of Programs and Learning at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Laurie has worked at AGH for 19 years.  In recent years, her work has focused on the power of arts experiences to improve wellbeing in participants through a focus on strengths, social connection, and shared experiences.  With a strong belief in person-centred programming, her work encourages participants to see and think about art in new ways.  She is also a mother, and a practicing visual artist.

Mindfulness Through Creative Movement

Through music & gentle verbal guidance, participants will express physical sensations, perceptions, and experiences. Our breath will act as the interpreter between the body & mind allowing for a beautiful holistic reset for body, mind & spirit. This practice is accessible to all levels & abilities. The session will be led by Tasha Bodnarchuk who brings many years of studying yoga, dance and mindful movement to her teaching.

Mindfulness Through Mandala Creation

Mandala painting is a creative, contemplative practice that combines the meditative focus of silent presence with the expressive beauty of visual art. A 'mandala' (Sanskrit for circle) is a geometric symbol representing wholeness, unity and the cosmos. Creating one cultivates a pathway inward - a form of active methodical meditation. No art experience required. The session will be led by Shawn McGregor of bodyRhythm Studios providing a safe space to breathe, to move, to heal.

Thanks to the generosity of the Art Gallery of Hamilton, we are able to offer this program for the following fees*:

Early bird:  Member  $75 Non-member $90 Financially Challenged $35

After April 20th: Member $85  Non-member $100 Financially Challenged $40

*Note that participants will provide their own lunch and snacks. The AGH snack bar opens at 11am

What should I do if I have more questions? Feel free to contact us through our website or social media channels if you have any additional questions or concerns. [email protected].

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