Meditation Room

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Our Schedule

Open Hours
Monday-Thursday	7:00 AM-10:00 PM
Friday	7:00 AM-5:00 PM
Saturday	9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Sunday	2:00 PM-10:00 PM
Open when the library is open

 

In addition to our open hours, we typically hold guided meditation sessions and educational workshops throughout the semester. Any sessions and/or workshops will be posted on COBY Engage.

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Intro to Mindfulness: A Four-Week Journey to Resilience

Four Classes

75 Minutes Each

Small Group Learning

 

Designed for emerging adults (18-30), Intro to Mindfulness is an evidence-based course that teaches practical tools to reduce stress, enhance focus, and cultivate self-awareness. This course is open to all students, faculty and staff.

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WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Mindfulness and meditation techniques for stress relief
• Strategies to enhance focus and emotional resilience
• Guided practice in a small-group, mentor-supported setting

If interested in taking this course, please reach out to Sierra Madison, Senior Counselor at the Wellness Center and MIEA (Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults) Instructor for more information.

 

 

 

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I have never meditated before. Where do I begin?

1. Set Aside Time

• Start with 5-10 minutes. You can gradually increase the time as you feel more comfortable.
• Pick a time that works best for you, whether in the morning, before bed, or during a break.

2. Find a Quiet, Comfortable Space

• Sit in a place where you won’t be disturbed.
• You can sit on a chair, cushion, or floor—whatever feels comfortable. The key is to have your body in a relaxed yet alert position. In the Meditation Room, you will find several seating options in the open space and behind the room divider. Please feel free to grab whatever is most comfortable for you!
• You will also find a sound machine in the Meditation Room. Please feel free to use this sound machine if you find that outside noises are becoming too much of a distraction. You may also use headphones if you are utilizing a guided practice.

3. Sit with Proper Posture

• Straighten your back: This helps you stay alert and prevent discomfort.
• Relax your body: Let your shoulders, hands, and legs be at ease.
• You can also try lying down if sitting feels uncomfortable, but be mindful not to fall asleep!

 

4. Close Your Eyes or Gently Focus

• If closing your eyes feels right, do so. If not, just soften your gaze and focus on a point in front of you.

5. Focus on Your Breath

• Start by taking a deep breath in and out to help center yourself.
• Then, simply focus on the natural flow of your breath. Notice how it feels as the air enters and leaves your body. You don’t need to control it, just observe it.
• If you find your mind wandering (which is totally normal), gently bring your focus back to your breath without judgment.

6. Let Thoughts Come and Go

• It’s normal for thoughts to pop up. Don’t try to stop them; just notice them, and then return your focus to your breath.
• Imagine your thoughts are like clouds floating by, and you're just watching them pass.

7. End with Awareness

• When your session is over, don’t rush out. Gently bring your awareness back to your surroundings.
• Take a deep breath and open your eyes slowly.
• Notice how you feel—more relaxed, calmer, or even more present.

Tips for Success:

• Be Patient: Meditation is a practice. It’s okay if you get distracted or don’t feel like you’re doing it “right” at first.
• Consistency: Try to meditate daily or a few times a week to build a habit.
• Start small: Don’t worry about meditating for long periods initially. Five minutes can make a difference.

If you would like to try the use of guided meditations, please download the Insight Timer app, which features many different types of free guided meditations!

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Meditation Room Guidelines

All users of this room must agree to the room guidelines by signing in via the QR code provided, or by reading the posted guidelines and signing in with the book.

• This room is for quiet meditation, prayer, reflection and/or contemplation purposes only. Please do not use this space as a lounge, study room, meeting room, social space, discussion room or for any purpose other than those mentioned above. Special requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Users must sign the user log upon entry and include date & time used (or through use of the QR code).
• Shoes are to be removed and placed on the provided space upon entering the room.
• Personal items (such as backpacks, jackets etc.) are to be placed in the cubbies. Items should not be left in the space unattended.
• Please respect the requirement to create and maintain a peaceful, quiet atmosphere.
• No items (cushions, chairs etc.) are to be removed from the room.
• Please clean up after yourself and leave the room in the same condition it was prior to use.
• Please refrain from chanting, playing music, or other activities that might disturb others. Please use headphones with low volume if music and/or guided meditation is part of your practice.
• The use of fire, including incense, candles or other flammable items is not permitted.
• Please keep the door closed. Do not prop the door open.
• Eating or drinking is not permitted in the space.
• No sex or drugs in the mindfulness space.
• Anyone found to be disruptive will be asked to leave the space and future access might be denied.
• Cell phone use or devices use should be used for mindfulness practice and emergency use only. Cell phones should be placed on silence upon entry.
• No posters, signs or other displays are to be placed inside or outside the meditation room without permission.
• Any damages to the space or equipment are to be reported immediately to studentdevelopment@cobleskill.edu.
• In case of emergency call UPD/campus police 518-255-5555.

 

Have questions about the Meditation Room? Please contact Sierra Madison, Senior Counselor at the Wellness Center at MadisoSN@cobleskill.edu or by calling 518-255-5225.