On Saturday, Common Grounds Healing Arts in Charlottesville will host its third annual sit-a-thon at the Jefferson School City Center in Charlottesville. WMRA’s Kara Lofton reports.
In a way, the sit-a-thon could be called an event of active contemplation. Active, because participants are raising money for the non-profit Common Grounds, which provides healing arts such as yoga, acupuncture and massage at free or reduced rates to the Charlottesville community. And contemplative because most of the fundraising will be done in companionable silence through hour-long mediations, running on the hour, every hour from 9am-6pm, and guided by leaders from local meditation communities.
Like a walk-a-thon, sit-a-thon participants are often sponsored by others in the community to complete their chosen hour (or more) of mediation. Outreach director Paige Ryan said walk-ins are also welcome and are encouraged to give a donation as they are able. The day will end with a kirtan starting at 7pm, which is a call and response musical meditation.
PAIGE RYAN: It’s a day when you can do something that’s going to be good for your community here in Charlottesville, making these services available, and also through the process you’re immediately doing something that’s beneficial for yourself through your sit.