Mindfulness at the Museum: Drop-in Guided Meditation

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and without judgment. It involves tuning into breath, body, thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. People often practice mindfulness through meditation, walking, gentle movement, reflective writing, and, in the context of the museum, looking closely with focused attention on a work of art.

Research has shown that having a regular meditation or mindfulness practice can contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing and flourishing, helping us respond to stress in creative and unexpected ways.

Join the Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness in the Living Room to explore meditation with others focused on a work of art from the museum’s collection. This session will include a short guided practice (15–20 minutes), space for reflection, and time for questions. Open to all; no experience needed. Eric Budzynski, the Associate Director of Holistic Wellness and Contemplative Practice, will lead the session. Co-sponsored by the Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness.

The Block Museum of Art acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.

Programs are open to all, on a first-come first-served basis. RSVPs not required, but appreciated.

About the Facilitator:

Eric Budzynski ’01 is most importantly a human being and also serves as the Associate Director of Religious & Spiritual Life at Northwestern University where he’s been an integral part of the community for nearly 15 years. A Northwestern alum of the Bienen School of Music, Eric’s career began in parish music ministry at the age of 12, where he combined his love of music with a dedication to contemplative prayer and ritual practice.

Raised in a devout Catholic family, Eric’s early experiences in church life sparked a passion for sacred music and spiritual experience. However, as a gay man, he encountered challenges in reconciling his identity with his role in the Church. These experiences led Eric to seek new ways to integrate his spiritual life with his personal truth, eventually finding a new kind of vocation through his role at Northwestern.

Eric has expanded his focus beyond music to include spiritual direction, mindfulness, and contemplative practices into the core of his work at Northwestern, guiding students, staff, and faculty to discover their own journeys of spiritual well-being. His spirituality doesn’t claim one identity over another but continues to cultivate an evolving path of interspiritual growth. This is grounded in the belief that spiritual practice is an essential path to healing, self-acceptance, and transformation.

Image credits: Museum visitors contemplating Omar Victor Diop (Senegalese, born 1980), Juan de Pareja, from the series Project Diaspora, 2014. Photograph. Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University, Irwin and Andra S. Press Collection Endowment Fund purchase. 2016.9.2.

Eric Budzynski image courtesy of the speaker.

Kachelle Knowles (Bahamian, born 1990), Old People Drink at the Bar, Young People Drink in the Streets, [detail], 2024. Drawing. Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University, purchase funds provided by Allen-Niesen Family: Kim, Keith, Kelsey, and Kyle. 2024.5.