Mindful Moments at BPL
Stress is a part of life—but how we manage it makes all the difference. Whether you're navigating a busy workday, studying for exams, or just trying to juggle the demands of daily life, building mindfulness into your routine can improve your mental health, increase your focus, and enhance your overall well-being. And it’s never too early—or too late—to begin.
At Burlington Public Library, we offer programs and resources for all ages that support stress management, mindfulness, and mental wellness. From calming meditations and creative expression to movement-based programs and music, we’re here to help you and your family take a deep breath and reset.
Why Mindfulness Matters
Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment—without judgment. It can be as simple as noticing your breath, being aware of how your body feels, or focusing on the taste of your morning tea. Regular mindfulness practice has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and build emotional resilience. Starting these habits early helps children grow into emotionally intelligent adults, and it gives adults a valuable toolkit for managing life’s ups and downs.
Just Breathe, Walk, and Flow
Our Just Breathe drop-in program is a welcoming space to take time for yourself. Led by an experienced facilitator, it offers simple guided mindfulness practices and strategies to reduce stress and improve focus. No experience necessary—just come as you are.
Prefer a more active approach? Just Walk is our friendly walking group that gets you moving in nature, where you can practice mindful walking and gentle social connection. Or try Chair Yoga or Sit To Be Fit for a low-impact way to build flexibility and reduce tension, right from a seated position.
Need help getting started at home? Our library collection includes books, audiobooks, and music on topics like meditation, yoga, stress management, and more. Whether you're browsing for Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Wherever You Go, There You Are or streaming calming instrumental music, you’ll find resources on our website to help you unwind.
Start Young, Grow Resilient
Mindfulness is a skill children can benefit from just as much as adults. We offer creative and age-appropriate ways for kids to build awareness, gratitude, and calm through our collections and programs that support meditation and creativity for kids. These encourage children to slow down, tune in, and express themselves through art and play.
Past sessions have included calming strategies for kids taught in Calm Kids, Bright Minds, mindful Clay & Play activities, and gentle yoga and breathing exercises in Animal & Nature Yoga Poses. This summer, our offerings include three Gratitude, Meditation, Paint & Play sessions. These tools support emotional regulation, focus, and self-awareness—skills that benefit children at school, at home, and in friendships.
For families interested in exploring mindfulness together, we recommend inspiring picture books such as Moody Cow Meditates by Kerry Lee MacLean or A Handful of Quiet by Thich Nhat Hanh. Start early with our board books, which gently introduce emotions, calmness, gratitude, and mini mindful moments. Don’t miss our Mindfulness Kit for Kids, a hands-on way to build mindfulness into your family’s routine. And in our audiovisual collection, you’ll find calming kids' music designed to soothe and focus young minds, available in both CD and digital streaming formats. Looking for more ideas? Check out our staff-created booklists below.
Sound Healing & Stillness
Looking for something a little different? Try Inner Peace with Flute Meditations, where live flute music, positive affirmations, and guided mindfulness create a peaceful space to relax, reflect, and recharge. These calming sessions offer a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and be present.
We also offer mindfulness workshops that provide support during more difficult times. Past programs like Mindfulness in Grief introduce grounding practices that foster resilience and self-compassion, especially during periods of loss and emotional pain. Mindfulness can offer a quiet, supportive path through healing.
Tranquility, reflection, and mindful pauses can be hard to find—but these programs offer a space for stillness, self-care, and emotional well-being.
Explore, Exhale, Enjoy
Whether you’re curious about mindfulness, hoping to build a daily routine, or looking for ways to support your child’s emotional development, Burlington Public Library has something for you and your family. Explore our programs, browse our mindfulness collections, booklists, and take your next step toward a calmer, more balanced life.
Ready to begin? Visit our Programs web page and look under Health & Well-Being and register for upcoming programs.
Your next mindful moment is just a breath away.
