Unwind with 5 relaxing campus events this November

The joys of November are plenty: autumnal colors in the woods, pumpkin spice lattes and Thanksgiving feasts. But the month also holds a few stressors - a national election, midterm exams, daylight saving time - if we named them all, we'd only add to your anxiety.

Pittwire has your guide to decompressing and recharging on campus. From guided meditation sessions in the Heinz Memorial Chapel to an afternoon sketching still life drawings, here are five free opportunities to help you stay present and grounded.

Start your week with meditation

Mondays, noon; guided meditation begins at 12:15 p.m.

The Heinz Memorial Chapel hosts this hourlong program of sound healing and guided meditation weekly. The chapel, a nonsectarian space with high ceilings, stone arches and 23 vibrant stained glass windows, is an inviting spot to cultivate internal silence.

Where: Heinz Memorial Chapel, S. Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Craft with a counselor

Mondays, 1-2 p.m.

Pop by the Center for Creativity for Making Connections, a weekly space for artistic self-exploration and conversation. Bring an in-progress project or start something new while participating in a facilitated discussion with a University Counseling Center staff member.

Where: C4C: The Workshop at The University Store on Fifth (lower level), 4000 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Find focus through still life drawing

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 5-7 p.m.

The Center for Creativity's open sketching studio is an opportunity to tune out the world and focus on what's in front of you. Practice maintaining a close focus with this special still life drawing session. Chill tunes, paper, pencils and erasers are provided. How you interpret the model is up to you.

Where: C4C: The Understory in the Cathedral of Learning (basement, B-50), 4200 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260

Tap into feelings with fellow writers

Monday, Nov. 11, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Free writing is often likened to entering a flow state. At the November installment of the Writer's Cafe, tap your own flow with Sherrie Flick, author of "Homing: Instincts of a Rustbelt Feminist." Participants will spend the afternoon completing a series of generative writing exercises about home. After the workshop, all are welcome to share what they have written.

Where: Writing Center in the O'Hara Student Center (third floor), 3900 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260

Take a hopeful hike

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 1:30 p.m.

Take a break from your screen for a stroll in Schenley Park. The Nature Walk for Climate Connection program, hosted by Natural Connections in the University Counseling Center, offers a gentle hike and support for navigating climate anxiety.

Where: Meet at the William Pitt Union plaza steps, 3959 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260

Photography by Tom Altany

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