January 07, 2015
Philadelphia Museum of Art/for PhillyVoice
“On a Blue Ceiling, Eight Geometric Figures: Circle, Trapezoid, Parallelogram, Rectangle, Square, Triangle, Right Triangle, X (Wall Drawing No. 351),” 1981, Sol LeWitt.© Sol LeWitt / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Taking the stress out of your daily routine is a great New Year’s resolution to make, but it’s a hard one to keep. Get a jump-start on your goal by trying out well-known relaxers like yoga or meditation at events around the region. Not great at sitting still? Join a hiking group or a paint night. Philly has plenty of ways to help you keep calm and carry on.
Jefferson University Hospitals is supporting this workshop on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Using meditation and other exercises, the Mindfulness Institute’s Aleezé Sattar Moss, PhD will teach participants how to apply mindfulness to their daily lives to reduce stress.
Wednesday, January 7
5:15-6:45 p.m. | $20
Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine
1013 Chestnut St.
(215) 503-6741
If you’re not a fan of quiet reflection, here’s an alternative. Grab some friends (or fly solo), learn to paint a simple picture, and have a few drinks while you jam to the sounds of Duel Piano Bar’s dueling house pianists. Creating artwork with instructions this easy -- supplies are included -- is a super fun stress-buster. (Click here for a month's worth of local Paint Nites.)
Thursday, January 8
7 p.m. | $45
Duel Piano Bar
1420 Locust St.
Ages 21 and up
This mini-meditation retreat focuses on the practice of Buddha Amitayus, the Buddha of Long Life. There are four sessions throughout the day, which include chanted prayers and meditation. Go to all four or drop in when you can, no experience required.
Sunday, January 11
8:30 a.m. - 7:15 p.m. | $5 per session or $15 for four
Amitayus Kadampa Buddhist Center
1102 Pine St.
(267) 702-3817
Combine the peacefulness of the outdoors during the winter season with the vigor of exercise in this four-mile hike. Presented by the Friends of Wissahickon group, the walk will travel over a variety of trails through the valley. Dogs and children are welcome.
Sunday, January 11
9 a.m. | Free admission
Valley Green Inn
Valley Green Rd. at Wissahickon
(215) 247-0417
Pamela Freeman and Sara Lomax-Reese started this monthly group which has grown steadily since its founding. On the second Sunday of each month, participants gather for some yoga and meditation to promote health and wellness.
Sunday, January 11
12-1:30 p.m. | Free admission
Springboard Studio
530 Carpenter Ln.
(215) 844-7566
Every Wednesday night the PMA fills up with fun activities, including a yoga session among the galleries. The quietude of the museum’s halls makes for a relaxing experience complete with a great view. Get there early, because spots fill up fast.
Wednesdays
6 & 7 p.m. | Pay what you wish
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
(215) 763-8100
Get out of the house and onto Peace Valley’s nature trails. The invigorating walk will refresh your mind, and a little fresh air does wonders for a dreary winter spirit. You might even find some cuddly furry creatures wandering about.
Tuesdays in January and February
1:30 p.m. | Free admission
Peace Valley Nature Center
170 Chapman Road, Doylestown, Pa.
(215) 345-7860
