Being a part of the Bowdoin community is an incredible privilege, joy, and gift. The times that we find ourselves forgetting this reality are in our moments of stress and overwhelm, feeling somewhat burdened by the responsibilities that this opportunity can present. This is why it is integral to hold space for an undemanding time that lets us settle exactly where we are. My hope is to establish a tradition to encourage students, faculty, and staff to do just that, rest and reflect. The image I have for this community ritual is a habitual program one night bi-weekly when community members who are searching for the space can gather in the chapel and mindfully or mindlessly listen to student performers accompanied by the gentle glow of candlelight. The 30-minute retreat away from the bustling world around us will start with a grounding form of literature, a few minutes of silence to find our focus, and then will find life through the beautiful work of our community members. The time is meant for you. You may choose to be where your feet are, or it may be an opportunity for your mind to wander along a stream of thoughts that have gone unprioritized. My hope is for the program to be a still point where we can collectively find and catch our breath. “Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths (Etty Hillesum).”