Contemplation by Design (CBD) is a campus-wide, multidisciplinary event designed to encourage all members of the Stanford community to enjoy the power of the pause.

From November 1–9, 2017 — rain or shine, events will be offered all around campus that further balance, tranquility and creative excellence. Faculty, staff and students will have the opportunity to take a short break from their high-level output of productivity and innovation in order to rest and renew the mind-body-spirit.

All events are free!

Registration is required.
See the complete schedule.

Each event is designed to bring the Stanford community together in recognizing the importance of quieting the thinking mind and refreshing oneself through quiet contemplation. Events this year include Alice Walker’s keynote, Rick Hanson’s neuroplasticity workshop, Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu’s heartfulness meditation session, Tia Rich’s contemplative skills practicum, book discussions, nature hikes, mindful yoga, the Contemplative Concert in Bing, and so much more.

Carillon Concert: On Friday, November 3, the Hoover carillon bells will be ringing to signal the university’s commitment to emotional well-being. At noon, all members of the Stanford community are invited to gather in Dorhmann Grove and the Oval ear to share the pre-concert activities, the concert (12:30 p.m.), and a closing contemplative pause. The Carillon concert will also be broadcast live on KZSU radio at 90.1 FM and streamed online at kzsulive.stanford.edu. New this year: From the song survey posted earlier, select song choices submitted by Stanford community members will be played!

PEACE

CBD events are designed to help people experience PEACE, which is also an acronym for the skills of contemplation that offer a way of living by which solutions are created, well-being is enhanced and excellence is sustained:

Pause: settle the dynamic, active mind to renew the mind-body-spirit connection.

Exhale: breathe deeply in stressful situations to restore balance in the nervous system and facilitate the ability to respond skillfully to stressors rather than react or repress.

Attend: be aware of the present moment experience by mindfully attending to sensations from each of the senses.

Connect: compassionately connect to what is happening now  intrapersonally, interpersonally and as a community member — and discern how to relate in ways that sustain health and happiness for oneself and others.

Express: oneself in authentic, creative and compassionate ways —including design, art, scholarship, friendship and community service and volunteering.

Learn more:
Strength in contemplation
Thriving with resilience: The role of contemplative practices