Sonic meditation is mindful listening, and mindful listening is more than hearing. During this month’s Mindful Mornings session, mindfulness practitioner and designer Thurmond Alford Jr. will teach participants to view the noises of the built environment as opportunities for intention and awareness. Taking into consideration the work of artists like Stephen Vitiello and Pauline Oliveros, we will learn that instead of blocking out or ignoring the sounds of the world around us, we can direct our attention toward what we are hearing. We’ll discover how everyday sounds can help transition our minds from being in a place of stress to a place of calm.

All 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.

About Mindful Mornings:
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.