ROCKLAND — Beginning on April 7, the Farnsworth Art Museum, will be hosting a series of six noontime Yoga and meditation sessions. Entitled Noontime Sit at the Farnsworth, this series will take place on Thursdays in the museum's galleries. The sessions will be led by Rachel Nixon.

The Farnsworth invites you in the galleries for a midday meditation and yoga break. This is a wonderful opportunity for our local community to gather for practice and contemplation in an inspiring setting.

Rachel Nixon, Shambhala Guide and yoga teacher, will provide instruction in shamatha meditation, a mindfulness-awareness practice that is grounded in the basic goodness of all beings. Shamatha means "peaceful abiding." The hour will include alternating periods of seated and walking meditation, plus Shamatha yoga. This form of yoga, as developed by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, consists of nine postures that cultivate strength, courage, and an open heart. We hope you can join us for this noontime practice in the beautiful Farnsworth galleries.

Please check in at the main entrance for directions to the class. Meditation cushions will be provided, and we will practice yoga standing on the gallery floor (no mats needed). Come as you are. Street clothes are fine. Locker and coatroom adjacent to the James Gallery can be used for storage. Everyone is welcome, from beginning meditators to advanced practitioners. The suggested donation for this series is $60 for all six sessions, or $10 day-of. The series is open to 15 participants. Drop-ins are welcome according to available space, but advance registration appreciated — Please email kfinlay@farnsworthmuseum.org or visit farnsworthmuseum.org/education/noontime-sit-farnsworth

Rachel Nixon has been practicing yoga and meditation since 2001. She is the founder and director of The Dancing Elephant, a community space for learning, wellness, and art. Rachel has a B.A. in Art History and a Masters in Education, as well as teaching certificates in Kripalu Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Art and Yoga, and Children's Yoga. She is a Shambhala Meditation Guide. To learn more about her work, visit: rocklandyoga.com.