Unplug, unwind, and seek peace. Join us for A Day of Quiet, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., on Saturday, June 6, at West Bloomfield Congregational Church, an open and affirming United Church of Christ, 9035 Rts 5&20, W. Bloomfield. The day will feature guided meditation, contemplative walks, meditative chanting, and mindful eating at a historic church with a fire pit, walking labyrinth, and flowing fountain. Suggested donation: $10 and/or a non-perishable food item for the H.O.P.E. Food Pantry. No one will be turned away. Learn more and register at tinyurl.com/doquiet

Tentative schedule and planned campus features 

9:00-9:20 a.m.Welcome
9:20-9:40 a.m.Kirtan chanting
9:40-10 a.m.Intro to sitting meditation, guided meditation, silence begins
10-10:30 a.m.Walking meditation
10:30-11 a.m.Sitting meditation
11-11:30 a.m.Walking meditation
11:30-11:45Introduction to mindful eating
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Lunch
12:30-1 p.m.Sitting meditation
1-1:30 p.m.Walking meditation
1:30-2 p.m.Guided meditation
2-2:30 p.m.Walking meditation
2:30-2:45 p.m.Chanting
2:45-3:15 p.m.Closing session

Meditative Features on the West Bloomfield Church Campus

We are mindfully offering you ways to connect with five key elements that are at the core of many ancient wellness traditions: earth, air, fire, water and space.

Earth: Walking on the Earth, especially barefoot, is incredibly healing, and touching the earth, grass and trees is equally grounding. (See “Walking Meditation 101,” above.)

Air: When you breathe mindfully, you connect with the air element. This element also represents communication. 

Fire: This element represents transformation, passion, and digestion. Weather permitting, you’ll be able to experience the fire element at an outdoor fire pit on the front lawn of the church. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we will have a few candles lit in the sanctuary for this purpose.

Water: The water element represents the flowing nature of the world and our ability to adapt to it. You can connect with the water element by spending time near our fountain, which will be on the lawn if weather permits.

Space: This element represents boundless emptiness, consciousness, and the void that allows the other elements to exist. Walking the labyrinth is a great way to connect with space and spirit.