Mindful observation is about awakening the senses and sharpening awareness—whether standing in the quiet of the Markel Center, walking through the landscape, or observing our fountain at Belvidere and Broad. It invites us to look at the familiar with new eyes, noticing the textures and movements often lost in our daily rush. Under the guidance of Thurmond Alford Jr., participants will explore nonjudgmental awareness, learning to witness details exactly as they are, and accepting the city’s rhythm and the landscape’s stillness without the need to label or change them.

All Mindful Mornings programs will begin in the ICA’s Abby Moore Cafe with a review of modern-day mindfulness in the arts, followed by a guided interactive workshop and the opportunity to share reflections on the prompt and observations.

Mindful Mornings Description:
Mindful Mornings at the ICA at VCU’s Markel Center is a free weekend program that pairs mindfulness practices with the goal of fostering well-being and a deeper connection to the natural world. By actively engaging with the ICA’s environmentally conscious architecture, landscape design, and exhibitions, participants will discover how small actions and a deeper understanding of the land can cultivate a sense of connection to and stewardship toward our urban landscape.