The Syracuse University Humanities Center’s Spring Symposia will continue on Friday, February 13 with the second installment of its three-part Contemplative Collaborative Brownbag Series titled, "Learning to Be Present: Mindfulness Practices for Writing, Research, and Creativity.” 

The event, which will begin at 12 p.m. in room 123 in Sims Hall, will feature Gesa E. Kirsch, professor of English and director of the Valente Center for Arts and Sciences at Bentley University, and Patrick W. Berry, assistant professor of writing and rhetoric at Syracuse University. The pair will explore and discuss mindfulness and contemplative practices: how writing intersects with them, and how they can promote insight, creativity, focus, engagement, and a sense of well-being.

Free and open to the public, the Brownbag Series is part of the Humanities Center’s Jeanette K. Watson Distinguished Visiting Professorship. The interdisciplinary brownbag series aims to uncover contemplative practices for students, faculty, and community members.

The Brownbag Series is organized and presented by the SU Humanities Center. Co-sponsors include: The Writing Program, Departments of Women’s and Gender Studies, Communication and Rhetorical Studies, Hendricks Chapel, Hendricks Chapel Wellness Fund, and the Contemplative Collaborative. Queries can be directed to Patrick W. Berry at pwberry@syr.edu or 315-443-1912