Free Meditation Session Comes To Westchase; Promotes Peaceful Mind and Body

Guided meditation can be a powerful tool to cope with the hectic pace of modern life.

That's the message Victoria Carlson will share on Saturday June 9 when she holds a free guided meditation session at the (2pm-3pm.)

"It's a taste of what meditation is," said Carlson, a volunteer with the Isha Foundation, a non-profit, non-religious organization that provides outreach programs focused on health, wellness and human rights across the globe.

The volunteer-run foundation has been conducting meditation programs around Tampa Bay area for the past few years. There are more than 200 centers worldwide and 2-million volunteers.

Saturday's library event will include a 12 to 18 minute meditation process that participants can incorporate in their daily lives, Carlson said.

The free meditation program is a part of the Hillsborough County libraries' continued efforts to reach a wide variety of the community.

"For our adult patrons, for example, we host programs on budget-friendly cooking, yoga, couponing, English to Spanish conversation, the use of computer technology, and more, to offer something for everyone," said Linda Gillon, Hillsborough County’s Manager of Library Programming.

All levels of meditators are welcomed to Saturday's event, including those who may have never meditated before.

"This is structured so anyone can do this," Carlson said. "It's just sitting in a chair focused on the breath and mind."

Carlson has been meditation for the past four years, and began conducting courses around Tampa Bay 9 months ago.

"With meditation comes the separation between the body and the mind," Carlson said. "It creates peacefulness, clarity, a kind of a whole feeling of groundenss and increased perception."

Participants should wear comfortable clothing. No other items are needed to participate. Meditation will take place seated in chairs.

RSVP is recommended for Saturday's program. Call 813-413-1661 to RSVP.

Want to go:

What: Between the Covers: Guided Meditation

When: Saturday, June 9 (2pm-3pm)

Where: Upper Tampa Bay Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa, FL 33626