Mindfulness and Retreats

Stressed? Distracted? Anxious?

Okay, right now, wherever you are, take a slow, deep breath.

Hold it...

Now let it go.

A little better, right?

College can be tough, academically, socially, emotionally—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and it shouldn’t tear you apart.

What is Breathe Gettysburg? It's an initiative of the Center for Religious & Spiritual Life to help you build resilience to handle the challenges of everyday life by developing mindfulness skills. It’s a collection of classes and experiences that fall under the broad categories of relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness. Some of these experiences spring out of specific religious traditions, some are more generally spiritual, and others are just plain fun and relaxing! All of them are open to the entire College community, no matter what your spiritual background is (or isn’t!).

Breathe Gettysburg Schedule

During Spring 2022, we offered a variety of virtual and in-person programs. Breathe Gettysburg events were open to current students and employees, and follow community health guidelines. Details were available via engageGettysburg.

Please check back for Fall 2022 programming details!

Here's what was going on at Breathe Gettysburg in Spring 2022:

Activity Weekday Times (ET) Location
Meditation in Motion: Qigong Mondays 4:00 p.m. Virtual Zoom in engageGettysburg
Fresh Air Campus Walks Tuesdays 12:05 p.m. In-person Meet at the campus gazebo near the fountain
Bright’s Living Room Hours Tuesdays 12:30 p.m. In-person Center for Religious & Spiritual Life (75 Stevens Street)
Arts & Crafts Wednesdays 4:00 p.m. In-person Center for Religious & Spiritual Life (75 Stevens Street)
Candlelight Prayer Service Wednesdays 10:00 p.m. In-person College Chapel
Thankful Thursdays Thursdays 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or anytime In-person Center for Religious & Spiritual Life (75 Stevens Street)
Hot Cocoa Warm Winter Welcome Fridays in February 7:30 p.m. In-person Center for Religious & Spiritual Life (75 Stevens Street)
Yoga with Campus Rec Several options - See below Various In-person Jaeger Center Multipurpose Room
Walk Together to Protestant Worship Sundays 10:10 a.m.& In-person Meet in front of the college chapel by 10:10 a.m. to walk to Christ Lutheran Church in town

Meditation in Motion: Qigong*

When you want to meditate but can't sit still and completely clear your mind, come join a slow meditation in motion and learn the ancient practice of Qigong.
When? Mondays at 4:00 p.m. ET on the following dates: 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28 and 3/14
Where? Zoom engageGettysburg
With whom? Becky Colgan, Counselor at Gettysburg College Health & Counseling Services
* These sessions can count toward Extended Orientation - Wellness.

Fresh Air Campus Walks

Let’s take a moment to meander. Meet at the gazebo to take a deep breath in the fresh air, and share a joyous moment or reflection of gratitude during a brief restorative stroll around campus together. (If weather is truly inclement, we’ll see you next time!)
When? Tuesdays at 12:05 p.m. (Approx. 15-20 minutes)
Where? Meet at the campus gazebo near the fountain
With whom? RSL staff members

Bright’s Living Room Hours

Let’s make a cup of tea and chat together. Stop by the RSL House living room, find a comfy spot, and just talk with Bright, no appointment needed!
When? Tuesdays 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm (Starting in April)
Where? RSL House (75 W. Stevens St.)
With whom? Bright, Director of Religious & Spiritual Life and Chaplain

Arts & Crafts*

Engage your creative side! We will be hosting an open craft hour where you are free to bring your own crafting supplies or use some of our materials. We have colored pencils, markers, coloring books, origami, and canvas boards, and more. Some items are also available for you to grab-and-go if you just want to stop by. You are welcome!
When? Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m.
Where? RSL House (75 W. Stevens St.)
With whom? Rachel Main ’22, Student Outreach Assistant, Center for Religious & Spiritual Life
* These sessions can count toward Extended Orientation - Wellness.

Candlelight Prayer Service

Join us for 15 minutes to center yourself as the day draws to a close. All are welcome at this prayer service.
When? Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m.
Where? In the college chapel
With whom?
Starting mid-March: Bright, Director of Religious & Spiritual Life and Chaplain
Through early spring: Pastor Stephen Herr ’89, Pastor Jay Eckman, and Vicar Julie Jackson from Christ Lutheran Church

Thankful Thursdays

Who are you grateful for today? Think about it. Now reach out to let them know! We can all use a boost these days, and telling someone that you are thankful for them lifts you both. Maybe they will pass it on too.

  • Thursdays between 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Stop by RSL house (75 W. Stevens St.) to pick up a thank you note that you can send.
  • Anytime: Add a note of gratitude to the RSL house Prayer & Gratitude Wall just outside our front door. Email, text or even make a phone call to let someone know that you are thankful for them.

Hot Cocoa Warm Winter Welcome

Welcome the weekend and warm up your winter with a cup of cozy hot cocoa (or hot tea!) Stop by for comfy friendly chat together at RSL House!
When? Fridays in February from 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where? RSL House (75 W. Stevens St.)
With whom? Adil Sarwar ’22, Student Outreach Assistant, Center for Religious & Spiritual Life

Yoga with Campus Rec

Try a calming yoga class with Campus Recreation to relax and release through gentle breathing exercises while focusing on stretching overworked active muscles. Please bring your own yoga mat and water bottle. This semester, Campus Rec is offering the following sessions in Jaeger Center Multipurpose Room:

Walk Together to Protestant Worship

This spring, all are welcome to meet in front of the college chapel by 10:10 a.m. on Sundays to walk to Christ Lutheran Church in town for a 10:30 a.m. worship service with Pastor Steve Herr '89, Pastor Jay Eckman, and Vicar Julie Jackson.
When? Meet by 10:10 a.m. on Sundays. The service begins at 10:30 a.m.
Where? Meet in front of the college chapel to walk to Christ Lutheran Church (30 Chambersburg St.). The walk will take about 10 minutes.
With whom? Walk together, on your own, or with a church member including faculty and local alumni.