Breathe Gettysburg

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 Fall 2021, we are offering a variety of virtual and in-person programs. Breathe Gettysburg events are open to current students and employees, and follow community health guidelines. Details are available via engageGettysburg.

Here's what is going on at Breathe Gettysburg in Fall 2021: 

Event Day  Time (All ET) Location
Meditation in Motion: Qigong Mondays 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Virtual Zoom 
Mindfulness Moment Tuesdays 5:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.  In-person RSL House (75 W. Stevens St.)
Gratitude Moment Wednesdays 4:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Virtual Zoom
Hot Topics Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. In-person RSL House (75 W. Stevens St.)
Candlelight Prayer Service Wednesdays 10:00 p.m. - 10:15 p.m. In-person Chapel & RSL House (75 W. Stevens St.) - see dates below for location
Thankful Thursdays Thursdays 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or any time In-person RSL House (75 W. Stevens St.) or Virtual
Arts & Crafts Sundays 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  In-person RSL House (75 W. Stevens St.)
Yoga with Campus Rec Sundays, Mondays & Thursdays See below In-person Jaeger Center Multipurpose Room 
Protestant Worship  Sundays 7:00 p.m. In-person Chapel 

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 Health & Counseling Services
* These sessions can count toward Extended Orientation. 

Mindfulness Moment

Everyone is welcome to take a 15-minute pause for contemplation, meditation and mindfulness. Sit comfortably and join us for a brief guided moment to center ourselves.
When? Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. ET
Where? RSL House (75 W. Stevens St.)
With whom? Led by Katy Mattson, Associate Director, Center for Career Engagement

Gratitude Moment

Take an opportunity to bring some gratitude and joy into your day. We’ll share a brief gratitude message and then share something that has gone well or made you happy in the past few days!
When? Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. ET
Where? Zoom engageGettysburg
With whom? Mary Geesaman, Director of Catholic Campus Ministry

Hot Topics

Has anybody ever asked you a question that made you wonder where your faith would guide your answer!  Let’s talk about it! Hot Topics from social media and current events including sexuality, racism, poverty, doubt, and so much more.  What questions do you have and would like to unpack together? 
When? Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. on on October 6, 13, 20, & 27 and November 3, 10, & 17
Where? RSL House (75 W. Stevens St.) 
With whom? Pastor Stephen Herr ’89, Pastor Jay Eckman, and Vicar Julie Jackson from Christ Lutheran Church.

Candlelight Prayer Service

Join us for 15 minutes to center yourself as the day draws to a close. All are welcome at this ecumenical prayer service.
When? Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m.
Where? In the college chapel on 9/29, 10/6, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 12/8; In RSL house (75 W. Stevens St.) on 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 12/1
With whom? 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. ET: 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.

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? Sundays at 2:00 p.m. ET
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. 

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. This semester, Campus Rec is offering the following sessions in Jaeger Center Multipurpose Room:  

Protestant Worship

Please join us in the chapel for a communion service that includes scripture reading, prayer, meditation and reflection. Everyone is welcome to attend!
When? Sundays at 7:00 p.m. ET
Where? In the college chapel
With whom? Pastor Stephen Herr ’89, Pastor Jay Eckman, and Vicar Julie Jackson from Christ Lutheran Church