Faith Resources for Election Support
Spiritual Tools for the Election Season: In addition to our ongoing programming, ORSL offers an array of opportunities to help you wayfind through election week. We hope you will find support and community in and through these spaces of gatherings.
Election Specific Events
Tuesday, November 5: Election Day Exhale
In the sea of election activity, ORSL offers space to find steady ground as you sit with the varied feelings and reactions that may arise.
Sanctuary for Stress and Struggles, The Circle Sanctuary, 7:30am-2:00am
Throughout election day The Circle Sanctuary will be open to all who need a quiet space to feel their feelings, be they big, small, anxious or calm. There will be opportunities to engage in meditative practices like coloring, beading or just lying on a couch and breathing. Chaplains will be around and available as needed between 9:00am and 5:00pm, but there will be no formal programming. An opportunity to be with yourself, but not alone.
Circle of Connection: Be Human Together, Old Union Courtyard, 12:00pm
IBIC, SLED and ORSL are creating an inclusive space for students, staff, and faculty to come together to pause, reaffirm our shared humanity, and center empathy and compassion. We will engage in short contemplative exercises and simple expressions of care to ourselves and fellow members of the Stanford community.
Walk the Labyrinth in Memorial Church, 9:00am-4:00pm
The labyrinth is an ancient pattern found in many cultures around the world. The rhythm and simplicity of following a single path can quiet the mind, restore balance, facilitate meditation, encourage prayer, insight and celebration.
Election Night Yoga in Memorial Church, 5:30-6:30pm
Relax + Center with Yoga Class with Diane Saenz. Life is often hard and we need tools to get us through the tough spots. Come practice a simple routine to release tension and ground in the here and now. Learn everything you need to know for a confident self-practice. Beginners welcome with limited accommodations available for all bodies. Please enter quietly, especially if running late. Bring your yoga mat.
Wednesday, November 6: Care, Community and Conversation
Concert and Communi-tea in Memorial Church, 12:00pm-1:00pm
Take time for contemplation while you enjoy organ music performed by University Organist Robert Huw Morgan in the glowing acoustic of Memorial Church. The recital will be followed by light refreshments in the Round Room and opportunity for conversation.
Thursday, November 7: Beyond the Ballot
Tea for the Soul, The Circle, 3rd Floor Old Union, 4:00-5:00pm
Tea for the Soul is ORSL’s weekly opportunity for students to rest, relax and share what’s on their mind while enjoying tea and refreshments with other students and ORSL staff. This week we will hold space for what comes next now that the election has passed. We will talk about ways for you to care for yourself and our community and anything else on your mind.
Ongoing Programs
Weekly:
Move and Meditate Yoga
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Memorial Church
Relax and Center Yoga
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: CIRCLE Sanctuary (Old Union, 3rd floor, Room 308)
Open Labyrinth Walk
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Memorial Church
Student-led Yoga
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: CIRCLE Sanctuary (Old Union, 3rd floor, Room 308)
Tea for the Soul
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: CIRCLE (Old Union, 3rd floor)
This is a drop-in space to connect with ORSL deans and chaplains.
Student-led Meditation
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: CIRCLE Sanctuary (Old Union, 3rd floor, Room 308)
Biweekly:
Noontime Concerts and Communi-Tea
Time: 12:15 pm
Location: Memorial Church
An organ concert with tea and cookies afterwards for gathering and connecting.
Ongoing:
Spiritual/Pastoral Care
Spiritual (pastoral) care is a type of care and counseling provided by spiritual leaders. It involves nonjudgmental and compassionate listening that allows people to share their joy, sadness, anger, concerns, frustrations, and hopes in the context of their full humanity, and for many, their spirituality or philosophy. It has the goal of fostering a person's spiritual and existential well-being.You can reach out to any of the Deans/Clergy for pastoral care directly or email spiritualcare@stanford.edu