As the widespread threat of the coronavirus continues to provoke fear across the country, as well as an inevitable feeling of restlessness, many are turning to various methods of relaxation to remain calm. From implementing a new virtual-based workout regimen into your routine to creating your very own hair studio from home, different practices work for different people.
If daily exercise and beauty-focused self-care aren’t for you, meditation is another great tool to help clear the mind. While mindfulness practice centers throughout the region have closed their doors, several are offering virtual and audio meditations to provide guidance during this uncertain time.
Whether you meditate regularly or are new to the practice, these online sessions curated for the current climate will lead you to transformation and healing, whatever that means for you.
Local Offerings
Mindfulness Workshop
Saturday, March 28, 8:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Mindfulness Practice Center of Fairfax usually hosts monthly mindfulness workshops from its studio, yet this March, the staff has shifted to an online platform. The half-day class will teach the art of mindful living during a stressful situation through various exercises, including a seated meditation, a guided deep relaxation (requiring a yoga mat or blanket) and a walking meditation. // Suggested contribution is $20-$50, registration required
Audio Conference Discussion for Mind and Its Potential
Sunday, March 29, 11 a.m.-noon
While not a typical meditation session, this Q&A-based group discussion will give you a new perspective on how powerful the mind can be. Led by Ven. Losang Donrub of The Guhyasamaja Center, a Buddhist meditation center based in Fairfax, the class will also touch on mindfulness practices to add to your daily routine. To join the meeting, click here. // Suggested contribution is $8-$10
Daily Meditation Sessions
Dates and times vary
In an effort to bring local residents to a place of peace and solidarity, the staff of Fairfax-based Mindfulness Practice Center will lead virtual morning meditation sessions from Tuesday to Friday, as well as one evening session on Thursdays. Throughout each practice, you’ll learn the most effective tools to processing how the coronavirus affects the mind. // Suggested contribution is $5-$15, registration required
Guided Meditation
Saturday, April 4, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Hosted by The Guhyasamaja Center, this class (via Zoom) will include several meditations on developing mindfulness of the breath and the body, as well as analytical meditations that bring actions and motivations into harmony with future aspirations. Plus, there will be a short interactive discussion with facilitator Ven. Losang Dondrub too. No experience or Buddhist affiliation is necessary. // Suggested donation is $8-$10
Other Online Sessions to Try
Meditation Retreat – Overcoming Anxiety
Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Discover techniques for overcoming fear, stress and anxiety through this day-long, online retreat. Following the experience, you’ll leave with knowledge on several meditations that help instill feelings of inner peace and calm if practiced consistently. There will be four sessions throughout the day with 30-minute breaks in between. // $20
Meditation for Beginners: Finding Happiness and Clarity Within
Wednesday, April 1 & April 8, 7-8 p.m.
This online course is all about the basics of meditation. From how to properly situate yourself on the floor to establishing a train of thought, Peyton Young of The Rising Lotus Qigong in Georgia will answer all your questions and motivate you through several practices. // $40
Buddhist Meditation 101
Saturday, April 4, 1-4 p.m.
If you’re searching for a new mind-focused regimen to add to your routine, give Buddhist meditation a shot with help from Buddhist nun Kelsang Kunden. In this course, you’ll learn how to set up your space for Buddhist meditation practice, as well as which meditation practices work best for you to integrate into daily life. Plus, there will be a Q&A session at the end of the course. // $25
Free Online World Healing Meditation
Wednesday, April 8, 8:30-9 p.m.
All the way from Canada, reiki master Stephanie Norwich will guide participants in a free meditation focused on healing in early April. The evening session will include visualization of a harmonious and joy-filled world for people, animals and the environment. Plus, you’ll learn how to set a positive intention to guide you through this practice, as well as your own practices in the future. // free
Mindful Monday: Special Anxiety-Reducing Edition
Monday, April 20, 2 p.m.
Meditation does not have to take long. In fact, popular iPhone application Headspace offers 10- to 20-minute meditations that have received widespread attention in the past few years. Come April, expert Nicole Havelka will lead a 15-minute, stress-reducing meditation using Facebook Live to start your week off on the right foot. You’ll learn techniques to boost your immune system by relaxing into breath, in just 15 minutes. // free
Unwind Your Mind: For Working Moms and Dads
Dates and times vary
Headquartered in India, The Art of Living is a volunteer-based, educational organization focusing on a variety of dimensions, all of which are centered on living your best life. This spring, the organization is offering several online workshops specifically for working moms and dads who are adjusting to this new normal. The free, 30-minute session will teach simple and effective breathing techniques, ways to manage stress and anxiety, as well as a unique guided meditation meant to bring peace of mind. // free
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