Join us for a morning of yoga and meditation! First, deepen your breath and take in the serenity of historic East India Marine Hall during a yoga class led by Patrice Morrison, founder of Black Lotus Yoga & Wellness. Then, stick around for a guided mindfulness session in the gallery from 10:15–10:45 am.

About the Gallery
East India Marine Hall was built using local Cape Ann granite in 1824-25 by the architect Thomas Waldron Sumner. It was the headquarters for the East India Marine Society, PEM’s founding organization. This group of 22 sea captains and traders sailed all over the world from Salem and started the oldest collecting museum in America in 1799. East India Marine Hall is the historical and physical heart of the museum; over time, added gallery spaces have surrounded it. Recently restored to its original elegance, the building is a National Historic Landmark.

East India Marine Hall currently houses nine carved ship’s figureheads that are juxtaposed with amplified music and sea ballads as a part of Scottish artist Susan Philipsz’ exhibition If I With You Would Go. Philipsz uses sound to heighten awareness of space, emotion and memory. Her choice of a song about a young woman lured away to sea is a mythical and cautionary echo of the mercantile and maritime history embodied in this historic hall.

Observing art can induce a “flow state” of mindfulness and activate the same part of the brain that more traditional mindfulness practices, like meditation and yoga, do. Join us on the first Sunday morning of every month (second Sundays for holiday weekends) in a guided practice of “mindful looking.” Come be still, relax and connect more deeply with artworks from PEM’s collection. A different work or part of the museum will be featured in every class.

About our collaborator

Yoga instructor Patrice Morrison makes yoga accessible by embracing the diversity of her students. Each session presents the opportunity for students to check in with themselves and adjust their well-being on a physical, mental and spiritual level. Black Lotus Yoga & Wellness honors everyone’s experience and practice. Come as you are so this community can continue to be a space to be seen, loved and accepted.

Black Lotus Yoga & Wellness is Black and queer owned, a business committed to creating a brave space for holistic wellness and healing. We offer services to promote a mind, body and spirit connection. Our goal is to support people on their journey of wellness through yoga and meditation. Whether you are looking for a challenge or to find stillness, we will meet you at your level.