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.
We launched Breathe Gettysburg as 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.
What is Breathe Gettysburg? 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 2021, we welcomed residential and remote cohorts with a variety of virtual and in-person events. Breathe Gettysburg events were open to current students and employees, and followed community health guidelines. Registration and Zoom info was available via engageGettysburg.
Here’s what was going at Breathe Gettysburg in Spring 2021:
| Event | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Prayer | Fridays | 9:00 a.m. ET | Virtual Zoom |
| Meditation in Motion: Qigong | Mondays | 4:00 p.m. ET | Virtual Zoom |
| Meditative Stretching | Tuesdays | 12:30 p.m. ET | Virtual Zoom |
| Arts & Crafts | Tuesdays | 4:00 p.m. ET | In-person Center for Religious & Spiritual Life (75 Stevens Street) |
| Gratitude Moment | Wednesdays | 1:30 p.m. ET | Virtual Zoom |
| Cooking with the Chaplain | Every other Wednesday | 5:00 p.m. ET | Virtual Zoom |
| Meditation Moment | Thursdays | 11:30 a.m. ET | In-person Chapel |
| Get Outside & Breathe | Thursdays | 4:00 p.m. ET | In-person Meet at the patio in front of the Chapel to go for a walk. |
| Tea Time | Fridays (Feb. - Mar.) | 3:30 p.m. ET | In-person Center for Religious & Spiritual Life (75 Stevens Street) |
| Yoga | Fridays | 5:00 p.m. ET | Virtual Zoom |
| Protestant Worship | Sundays | 3:00 p.m. ET | In-person Chapel |
| Bible Study & Evening Prayer | Sundays | 8:00 p.m. ET | Virtual Zoom |
Morning Prayer
Start your morning with some centering prayers, thanksgivings, and a few short readings to set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
When? Fridays at 9:00 a.m.
Where? Zoom engageGettysburg
With whom? Chaplain Elizabeth Eckman
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
Where? Zoom engageGettysburg
With whom? Becky Colgan, Counselor at Gettysburg College Counseling Center
Meditative Stretching
Make time in the afternoon for a little self-care. Join us over Zoom for a 20 minute session of light stretching and deep breathing; cameras off, just come as you are!
When? Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. ET
Where? Zoom engageGettysburg
With whom? Chaplain Elizabeth Eckman
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 that are waiting to be turned into masterpieces. Please register in engageGettysburg if you plan to stay as space is limited. Some items are also available for you to grab-and-go if you just want to stop by. You are welcome!
When? Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m.
Where? RSL House (75 W. Stevens St.)
With whom? Chaplain Elizabeth Eckman
Gratitude Moment
Take an opportunity to bring some gratitude and joy into your day. We’ll share a brief gratitude meditation and then share something that has gone well or made you happy in the past few days!
When? Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. ET
Where? Zoom engageGettysburg
With whom? Chaplain Elizabeth Eckman
Cooking with the Chaplain
Join Chaplain Elizabeth in making a meal at the end of a long day. Learn a new recipe or new skills in the kitchen while engaging in good conversation over some good food!
When? Every other Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. ET (2/10, 2/24, 3/10, 4/7, 4/21, 5/5)
Where? Zoom engageGettysburg
With Whom? Chaplain Elizabeth while she’s in her kitchen and you’re in yours!
Ingredients & what we will be cooking will be posted here and in the digest the week prior to the event.
Meditation Moment
Everyone is welcome to take a 20-minute pause in your day for contemplation, meditation, and mindfulness. We will either sit on chairs or unroll our yoga mats, blankets, or towels (please bring your own), do a little gentle movement and stretching to center ourselves, then follow a brief guided meditation. You will emerge relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take on the rest of your day!
When? Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. ET
Where? In the chapel*
With whom? Chaplain Elizabeth Eckman
Get Outside & Breathe
Enjoy a nice afternoon meditative walk and take some time to stretch your legs, open your chest and heart, and take some deep breaths of fresh air. Leave your phones in your room!
When? Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. ET
Where? Meet in front of the chapel.*
With whom? Chaplain Elizabeth Eckman
Tea Time
Take an afternoon break and join me for a nice cup of tea or coffee as we discuss life, current events and absolutely anything and everything over a hot liquid cup of goodness!
When? Fridays at 3:30 p.m. ET (Running February 12 - March 12)
Where? RSL house (75.W. Stevens Street)*
With Whom? Chaplain Elizabeth Eckman
Yoga
A soft, slow-moving yoga flow practice followed by guided meditation to restore the mind and body. Bring a mat, towel, blanket or anything you have to keep you comfortable. No experience needed, come as you are.
When? Fridays at 5:00 p.m. ET
Where? Zoom engageGettysburg
With whom? Emily Lashendock '21
Protestant Worship
Please join Chaplain Eckman for a communion service that includes scripture reading, prayer, meditation and reflection. Everyone is welcome to attend!*
When? Sundays afternoons at 3:00 p.m.
Where? In the college chapel
With whom? Chaplain Elizabeth Eckman
Bible Study & Evening Prayer
Unwind on Sunday evenings with a Bible study and reflective prayer as the new week begins.
When? Sundays 8:00 p.m.
Where? Zoom engageGettysburg
With whom? Chaplain Elizabeth Eckman