Have you ever wondered how to bring more mindfulness into your daily life? If so, the upcoming event at the Central Library might be just what you need. The Library Takeover Team is hosting a Day of Indian Mindfulness Activities that promises to be a transformative experience for everyone in attendance.
Library Takeover Team Hosting Day of Indian Mindfulness Activities at Central Library
Introduction
Taking place on Saturday, September 28, from 9 am to 3 pm, “Mindfulness the Indian Way” is designed to immerse you in the rich traditions of Indian culture that foster present-mindedness and overall well-being. The event is part of the Madison Public Library’s Library Takeover program and is curated by a dedicated team comprising Nita Ambedkar, Kiran Nautiyal, Deepti Awasthi, Vidya Matre, Arpita Joshi, and Vinita Shrivastava.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment. This day-long event integrates art, food, health, and wellness to embody the principles of mindful living, all through the lens of Indian culture.
Event Overview
This multifaceted event will feature a series of activities and sessions led by local artists and organizations. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Event Timeline
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9-10 am | Opening Circle: Group yoga and mindfulness introduction with Nita Ambedkar |
| 10-11 am | Food + Mindfulness: Indian breakfast and cooking demo, discussions on the history of mindfulness in India |
| 11 am-12:30 pm | Health + Mindfulness: Sessions on Ayurveda and homeopathy, and a discussion on Mindful Leadership |
| 12:30-1:30 pm | Art + Mindfulness: Doha singing, wood burning demonstration, and mehndi art creation |
| 1:30-2:30 pm | Dance + Mindfulness: Odissi dance introduction, dance and nature interplay, and mindful social media usage |
| 2:30-3 pm | Closing Circle: Yoga, breath work, and final reflections |
Opening Circle (9-10 am)
Kickstart your day with an opening circle that sets the tone for the rest of the event. Engage in a group setting where Nita Ambedkar from THP (The Happiest Place) will guide you through yoga exercises suitable for all ages. This will be followed by a brief introduction to the concept of mindfulness in Indian culture.
Food + Mindfulness (10-11 am)
Experience the joy of mindfulness through food with a delicious Indian breakfast and mindful chai provided by Amber Indian Restaurant. Sara Parthasarathy, co-founder of Flavor Temptations, will conduct a cooking demo where you can learn the intricacies of Indian cuisine. Arpita Joshi and Vidya Matre will delve into the history of mindfulness in Indian culture, exploring the ethos behind dietary traditions.
Health + Mindfulness (11 am-12:30 pm)
This segment focuses on various health techniques that integrate the mind, body, and soul. Raka Bandyo from the Ayurveda Association of Wisconsin will guide you through Ayurvedic practices, while Anu Chalke will present a session on homeopathy. Additionally, a special discussion on Mindful Leadership by Dr. Aparna Mahajan will offer valuable insights.
Art + Mindfulness (12:30-1:30 pm)
The afternoon will be filled with artistic expressions that highlight the connection between creativity and spirituality. From a performance of Doha singing to a wood burning demonstration by Gauri of Prettyful Creations, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by the artistic traditions of India. Deepti & Mini from Deep’s Henna will teach you the history and techniques of mehndi, giving you the opportunity to try your hand at henna art.
Dance + Mindfulness (1:30-2:30 pm)
Move your body and learn about the integration of dance and mindfulness. Raka from Karmic Flower will introduce you to Odissi dance, while SriVidya’s team from Sri Natya Vidhyalaya will explain how dance and nature intersect. Anurima Das of Soulful Dance Academy will present on how to maintain mindfulness even in the digital age with social media and dance challenges.
Closing Circle (2:30-3 pm)
The closing circle will help you cool down and reflect on the day’s experiences. Diane Sing from Madison Outdoor Yoga, along with Nita Ambedkar, will lead you through yoga and breath work, ensuring you leave the event with a sense of tranquility and mindfulness.
Library Takeover: A Platform for Community Ideas
Library Takeover is a unique initiative by the Madison Public Library to empower community members to bring their event ideas to life. The program involves a series of planning workshops and mentorship opportunities, equipping participants with the skills needed to plan, market, and execute successful events.
Registration and Participation
Due to anticipated high interest, registration is requested to ensure smooth participation. You can sign up at madpl.org/indianmindfulness. The event is generously funded by the Madison Public Library Foundation and TruStage.
Detailed Schedule and Activities
Here’s a more detailed look at each segment of the event:
Opening Circle
Led by Nita Ambedkar, this session will ground you for the day’s events. The yoga exercises are designed to be accessible to all age groups and skill levels. Following yoga, a brief introduction to the concept of mindfulness, particularly from an Indian cultural context, will be discussed.
Food + Mindfulness
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Indian Breakfast and Mindful Chai: Provided by Amber Indian Restaurant, savor a traditional Indian breakfast while sipping on mindfully brewed chai.
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Cooking Demo by Sara Parthasarathy: Learn how to prepare traditional Indian dishes with a mindfulness approach. Sara, co-founder of Flavor Temptations, will share tips on incorporating mindfulness into cooking.
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Discussion on Mindfulness in Indian Culture: Arpita Joshi and Vidya Matre will take you through the historical aspects of mindfulness in Indian culture, exploring the reasons behind some of the dietary and culinary traditions.
Health + Mindfulness
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Session on Ayurveda: Raka Bandyo will introduce you to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance and wellness. Learn simple Ayurvedic practices that you can incorporate into your daily life.
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Homeopathy Session: Presented by Anu Chalke, this session will discuss the principles of homeopathy, another holistic health practice rooted in Indian tradition.
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Special Discussion on Mindful Leadership: Dr. Aparna Mahajan will share her insights on how to lead mindfully in various aspects of life. This discussion aims to provide actionable steps to integrate mindfulness into leadership roles.
Art + Mindfulness
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Doha Singing Performance: Experience the spiritual connection of music and mindfulness through a performance of Doha singing. This traditional Indian music style explores deep emotional and spiritual themes.
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Wood Burning Demonstration: Gauri from Prettyful Creations will demonstrate the art of wood burning, focusing on the creation of mandalas. Understand the significance of mandalas and how they serve as tools for mindfulness.
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Mehndi (Henna) Art: Deepti & Mini from Deep’s Henna will teach you the history and significance of mehndi in Indian culture. You’ll have the opportunity to try creating your own henna designs, guided by experienced artists.
Dance + Mindfulness
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Odissi Dance Introduction: Raka from Karmic Flower will introduce Odissi, one of the classical dance forms of India, emphasizing how dance movements can foster mindfulness.
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Dance and Nature: Explore the interplay between dance and nature with SriVidya’s team from Sri Natya Vidhyalaya. Understand how elements of nature are incorporated into dance to create a mindful experience.
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Mindful Social Media Usage: Anurima Das of Soulful Dance Academy will discuss the impact of social media on mindfulness, particularly in the context of dance challenges. Learn strategies to maintain mindfulness while engaging in digital spaces.
Closing Circle
The event will wrap up with a closing circle aimed at reflecting on the day’s experiences. Diane Sing from Madison Outdoor Yoga, along with Nita Ambedkar, will lead this session. Engage in gentle yoga and breath work, leaving you refreshed and empowered to integrate mindfulness into your daily life.
About the Organizers
Madison Public Library
For nearly 150 years, Madison Public Library has been a cornerstone for education, literacy, and community involvement in Madison, WI. The library continually evolves to meet the needs of the community, offering a variety of programs and resources that enrich lives.
Library Takeover Program
Library Takeover is a program designed to support community members in bringing their event ideas to fruition. Selected teams receive planning guidance, resources, and financial support to execute their events. The program aims to celebrate and nurture diverse ideas within the community.
Meet the Team
The event is organized by a dedicated team of community members:
- Nita Ambedkar – Owner of THP (The Happiest Place) and Library Takeover team member.
- Kiran Nautiyal – Community organizer and mindfulness enthusiast.
- Deepti Awasthi – Cultural liaison and event planner.
- Vidya Matre – Education and mindfulness advocate.
- Arpita Joshi – Historian and cultural researcher.
- Vinita Shrivastava – Marketing and community engagement expert.
How to Register
Pre-registration is highly encouraged to ensure you can participate in this enriching day of activities. You can register online at madpl.org/indianmindfulness. The event is free, thanks to the generous support from Madison Public Library Foundation and TruStage.
Support and Sponsorship
The event is made possible through the efforts of the organizing team and the following sponsors:
- Madison Public Library Foundation: Providing financial support and resources.
- TruStage: Additional funding for the event.
Event Goals
The primary aim of this event is to provide a holistic understanding of mindfulness through the rich cultural traditions of India. By participating, you’ll gain practical tools and knowledge to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life, fostering a greater sense of presence and well-being.
Benefits of Attending
- Holistic Experience: Engage in a full-day immersive experience that touches on various aspects of mindfulness.
- Cultural Enrichment: Learn about the traditions and practices of Indian culture that promote mindfulness.
- Community Engagement: Connect with like-minded individuals who are also on a journey to mindfulness.
Call to Action
If you’re looking to explore mindfulness or deepen your existing practice, this event is an excellent opportunity to do so in a supportive and enriching environment. Make sure to register, participate actively, and take home new insights and practices that can enhance your life.
Conclusion
Mindfulness is about being fully present and appreciating the small moments in life. By attending the Day of Indian Mindfulness Activities at the Central Library, you’ll not only gain valuable insights into this practice but also enjoy a day full of engaging and enriching experiences. Don’t miss this chance to learn, grow, and connect with a community dedicated to mindful living. Register today and embark on a journey of mindfulness inspired by the rich traditions of Indian culture.
For more information on other programs and resources offered by Madison Public Library, visit www.madisonpubliclibrary.org or follow @madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook and Instagram.
