Stillpoint

Being a part of the Bowdoin community is an incredible privilege, joy, and gift. In moments of stress and overwhelm it can be easy to forget this reality. You may relate to a feeling of being burdened by the responsibilities that being a Bowdoin student can present. This is why it is integral to hold space for a time of reflection and stillness that lets us settle exactly where we are.

For over a year now, we have attempted to establish a tradition encouraging students, faculty, and staff to do just that, rest and reflect. This community ritual is a habitual program one night every week when community members searching for the space can gather in the chapel and mindfully or mindlessly listen to student performers or a curated soundspace accompanied by the gentle glow of candlelight.

The 30-minute retreat away from our bustling and busy lives begins with a piece of grounding literature, a few minutes of silence to find our focus, and then a time to sit and experience accompanied by music. This time is meant for you. You may choose to sit present in the experience, or you may take the opportunity for your mind to wander along the stream of thoughts that have till now gone unrecognized or forgotten. This program should be a still point where we can collectively find and catch our breath.

“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths” -Etty Hillesum

NOTE: We welcome all community members whether you have joined in Stillpoint before or if this is new for you, if you can come every week or if you can only make it once