Today, we’re writing to breathe. This month, mindfulness practitioner and designer Thurmond Alford Jr. will lead an exercise that instructs participants to use the act of writing to increase awareness and reduce worry, stress, and tension. Using the Markel Center’s winter landscape, plantings, and water features as inspiration, we will learn to use the written word to let go of unhealthy thoughts and worries and bring about clarity and calm.

A small journal will be provided to all participants free of charge. Please bring your favorite pen or pencil.

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’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.