By Lauren Wing

In the midst of studying for challenging exams, working nonstop and constantly needing to be checking your emails and notifications, students are discovering a space at Adelphi University known as the Mindfulness Center, which is located in the University Center. Right as you walk in, it is evident that this modern Mindfulness Center blends comfort and calm by adding soft lighting, glowing pink wall patterns and cozy bean bags to create a serene atmosphere. Meditation mats and cushions invite quiet reflection, while lounge chairs and a bookshelf add a touch of warmth to the room. This quiet sanctuary is a space that does not demand critical thinking, productivity or performance, but rather peace, relaxation and serenity.

Visitors can engage in a variety of mindfulness practices, including guided meditation, breathwork and quiet reflection. Coordinator of the Mindfulness Center Michael Hoffner said, “The space welcomes everyone to visit while offering a calm, inclusive environment for all levels of practice.”

According to Hoffner it doesn’t matter how much meditation experience users have. He said, “Some have practiced with us each week, and we also have students, faculty, staff and outside community members that are brand new, just coming for the first time.”

Sometimes, what a hardworking college student really needs isn’t more caffeine or screen time, it’s simply a place to rest without pressure or distraction. Junior cyber security major Alex Grandchamps said, “I went to the center to sit down for a couple of minutes and ended up falling asleep.” 

Grandchamps works at the IT desk in the Swirbul Library and appreciates the center for times when his job becomes draining. He said he “was tired of looking at computer screens for hours” and therefore would return to the center. 

Alumna Julia Sledge (c’23) had concerns about using the center instead of working. She said, “I thought that taking a break meant I would be behind on my schoolwork, but it really makes you more focused after going for even just 10 minutes.” 

To help maintain a calm environment, Hoffner emphasizes a few simple guidelines that include no use of electronics, no eating and no talking. He said, “You need to be really unplugged so that it is really an island of refuge in a sea of busyness. This is a space where you can let go of that assignment, let go of that schoolwork and just practice being.”

Whether someone stops by for five minutes or five hours, the Mindfulness Center aims to be open as much as possible. Its hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and weekends from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the UC room 324. In addition, free mid-day meditation sessions are held every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 12:30 p.m. welcoming both beginners and experienced meditators.

Featured image courtesy of Adelphi University