First-Timer’s Guide: Meditate with a Monk
When Blissful Tuesdays arrive, the world slows down, breath deepens, and calm begins to settle in. On the first Tuesday of each month from 6:30–8:00 pm, a gentle presence fills the room, not through music or movement, but through mindful stillness.
Guided by monastics from the Mahamevnawa Meditation Center of Greater Washington, D.C., this program invites participants to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what brings peace, something the monks spend a lifetime practicing.
Creating a Quiet Space
Whether you're new to meditation or have a daily practice, all levels of experience are welcome. The 90-minute sessions are thoughtfully paced, 3 to 4 short meditations, gently woven together with simple teachings, reflections, and shared stories. You won't be asked to sit still for long stretches; instead, the experience flows with clarity and kindness.
Some participants arrive with stress or restlessness. Others are simply curious. But by the end of each session, there's a shared stillness in the air, a sense of spaciousness that seems to stay with you, long after you've left the room.
Why Meditate with a Monk?
These evenings aren't about achieving a perfect mental state. Rather, they offer the chance to create space in the mind, to step out of tension and into something more spacious, energized, and quietly joyful.
The monks lead with warmth and presence, explaining not only how to meditate, but why we do it. With each visit, you'll encounter new techniques, from breath-based awareness to gentle contemplation, each offering a different doorway to calm.
What to Expect
Come as you are. Dress comfortably, bring nothing but yourself, and allow the evening to unfold. You'll be gently guided throughout. Whether it's your first time or your fiftieth, each session meets you right where you are.
We occasionally share reflections from these evenings on our social channels, a photo of cushions neatly arranged, or a quiet moment caught between sessions. They're small glimpses of something simple and meaningful.
Let the Calm Continue
Did you know museum members receive a discounted rate for this program? It's just one way we thank you for being part of our community. Members also enjoy benefits throughout the year, from event perks to membership in the Garden Club, all in support of keeping the museum a welcoming space for everyone.
Curious to Join?
The next Blissful Tuesday is just around the corner. If you'd like to learn more or have questions, please contact Brigid Miller or call 301-774-0022.
There's a cushion waiting for you. Come sit with us.
