"Sitting Still: the Contemplative Video Project allows the audience to discover different perspectives through the simple act of sitting still and observing videos of daily scenes, ranging from those that inspire awe to those that compel viewers to participate and intervene. It uses fast-paced new media communication forms such as video and Web sites, with an emphasis on slowing down." The Alchemical Nursery and the Rahma Clinic Edible Forest Snack Garden join a growing list of collaborators on the Contemplative Video Project including Syracuse University, the University of Memphis, the Everson Museum of Art, and the Zen Center Hoen-ji of Syracuse. We are extremely excited to showcase how projects such as the forest garden can lead to not only physical health but also mental health and clarity through this partnership. Acknowledging the importance of mindfulness is a clear goal of the Alchemical Nursery's mission to bring ecovillage lifestyle sensibilities to our urban landscapes. Support the Rahma Edible Forest Snack Garden: http://www.indiegogo.com/Rahma-Free-Health-Clinic-Edible-Forest-Garden

1. Contemplative Video Project
Created with a growing list of
collaborators from schools,
colleges and arts institutions.
Conceived of by Anne Beffel,
Artist and Associate Professor
Syracuse University

2. What does the world look like from
a non-violent point of view?

3. Without attention,
empathy hasn’t a chance
• Daniel Goleman, Social Intelligence

4. Much of the time…our everyday
minds are in a state of reactivity
• Mark Epstein, Thoughts Without A Thinker

5. • We are more open to insights from the
unconscious mind when we are not thinking
of anything in particular.
• Anytime you can just daydream and relax is
useful in the creative process: a shower, long
drives, a quiet walk.
• Art of Creativity, Goleman and Kaufman

6. Contemplative Video Project
• Sitting Still: the Contemplative Video Project
allows the audience to discover different
perspectives through the simple act of sitting
still and observing videos of daily scenes,
ranging from those that inspire awe to those
that compel viewers to participate and
intervene. It uses fast-paced new media
communication forms such as video and Web
sites, with an emphasis on slowing down.

7. Videos Created from a Perfectly Still Point of View

8. High School and College Students Collaborate

9. Museum Exhibitions
Everson Museum of Art (below) University of Memphis Museum of Art

12. Participants Conducting Radio Interview

13. Travel Abroad and Public Screenings

14. Global Reach via the
Mindful Connections website
• Currently Under Construction
• Susan Dischiave, Assistant Professor of Practice, and graduate students from the
School of Information Studies, Syracuse University
• New York Design Firm, Napkin

15. Mindful Connections Web Page Mock Up

16. Non-didactic Approach Enables…
Viewing something from multiple perspectives
Noticing what is present
Awareness of multidimensionality of people, places
and things

17. Participants from :
• University of Memphis: Art Museum, Department of
Foundation, Department of Architecture
• Syracuse University: Department of Foundation, iSchool
Graduate Program
• High Schools: Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central
High, Overton; Corcoran; Henninger; Nottingham…
• Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, NY
• Zen Center Hoen-ji, Syracuse, NY
• The Alchemical Nursery, Syracuse, NY
• Say Yes to Education, Syracuse, NY
For information contact Anne Beffel, aebeffel@syr.edu