UMass Meditates

Welcome to UMass Meditates. Choosing to spend even a few minutes to slow down and contemplate may benefit your health in many ways. Perhaps this is between classes, during lunchtime, or whenever a free moment opens up. This Tree of Contemplative Practices illustrates a wide variety of practices, with which some you are probably already familiar.

These quiet moments of reflection or contemplation may support emotional health, enhance self-awareness, increase attention span, improve sleep, and cultivate compassion for yourself and others. Check out these pre-recorded meditation/mindfulness sessions, created by members of our UMass community.

The Student-led Meditation Group is non-denominational and open to all members of the UMass community. Join them 5-6 p.m. Thursdays in Campus Center 904-08. To be added to the email list, navigate to groups.google.com in your web browser, sign in with your UMass Amherst NetID and password, then search for UMass Student Meditation Group and click "join group."

For a list of campus and local religious and spiritual organizations and meditation groups, visit Religious and Spiritual Life. For meditation and stress-reduction classes and workshops, see Center for Counseling and Psychological Health and Campus Recreation's mind/body classes.

Worcester Commons Contemplative Room

While many forms of meditation can be practiced anywhere, you may find a dedicated space to be helpful. The Contemplative Room in Worcester Commons offers space to meditate, contemplate, pray, or simply be in the moment. Drop in Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the semester on the third floor in the Student Affairs and Campus Life (SACL) Suite and sign in at the front desk.

Please do your part to maintain the Contemplative Room by engaging in the following to the best of your ability and comfort:

  • Remove your shoes before entering and feel free to use the coat rack for your jacket, etc.
  • Be respectful of others who are using the space.
  • Abstain from talking (outside of group events), using any disruptive electronics, working, doing homework, or other activities outside of the intended use of the space.
  • Feel free to use any of the mats, cushions, chairs, and back jacks.
  • Do not bring any food or drink into the room.
  • Leave the room as you found it before departing.

If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, email April McNally (amcnally@umass.edu).