OWU Meditation Circle provides space for mindfulness

Interested in meditation? OWU has got you covered.

The OWU Meditation Circle is a group that is aimed at promoting meditation on campus.

Facilitated by Dr. Mark Allison and the Chaplain’s Office, the OWU Meditation Circle meets every Friday from 3:10 to 4 p.m. in Peale Chapel.

This circle is meant to help manage stress, promote self-awareness, and learn healthy coping mechanisms. Anyone interested is welcome to join, including students, faculty, and staff.

The purpose of setting up this circle is to help people explore the benefits of meditation, as well as to relieve stress.

“I love the fact that this session is on Friday because I can release the stress of the whole week,” an attendee said.

The type of meditation Dr. Allison teaches is called Vipassana. This practice is easy for beginners and focuses on an ‘anchor’ point which can range from one's breathing to background sounds. Photo courtesy of owu.edu

“The purpose of meditation is not to be thoughtless, but to find your way back to the anchor after your mind wanders,” said Dr. Allison.

The people that practice meditation with the circle range from students to faculty, and staff.

“I have practiced meditation with my sister, who is a Buddhist,” said Mary-Grace Duffy, an attendee.

Although some people like Duffy had significant practice in the field of meditation, others at the circle who were less experienced were also able to enjoy and practice meditation in a healthy manner.