By Katie Mayer

In a symbolic gesture of reflection and well-being, Chaffey College recently unveiled its newest addition: The Prayer and Meditation Room. Tucked away in the heart of the campus, this space offers tranquility and stillness amongst the hustle and bustle of student life, and academic activity.

Found in the Student Life Lounge (CCE-124-E) on the Rancho Cucamonga campus is a closet-sized room dedicated to silence and peace. The space is meant to provide a space of solace for students of all beliefs and faiths to take a moment for themselves for prayer, tranquil contemplation and mindfulness.

As the door opens, one will be greeted with a calming and serene ambiance. Softer lighting envelops the room, which is furnished with rugs, yoga mats and chairs for students to use. Leafy plants also welcome occupants with open arms as an area to quietly step away from the activity and commotion of busy day-to-day schedules.

Students are welcome to use this space during the hours of 7:30am-7pm on Monday and Thursday, and 7:30am-4:30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

With this inviting and soothing hideaway comes rules and responsibility. Chaffey staff asks that students who utilize the Prayer and Meditation room do so as a solo endeavor, to reflect quietly and to disconnect. The beauty of the meditation room is the ability to disconnect from the outside world, so they ask that you also disconnect digitally as well.

Chaffey requests that users strictly adhere to the designated purpose of the room. Eating, sleeping or studying is prohibited. Guidelines also ask that no mess be left behind; what goes in the room must go out. Students are limited to 30 minutes so that others may have the opportunity to escape to the little slice of bliss as well.

Possibly the most defining feature of the Prayer and Meditation Room is its inclusivity. Regardless of one’s religious beliefs or spiritual path, all are welcome to seek solace here, outlining Chaffey’s testament to welcoming and encouraging diversity.

The room will be open for the duration of the academic year, then will be reevaluated for upcoming semesters.

To prolong its residency, Chaffey College is looking for feedback from students and staff. If community members are enjoying the Prayer and Meditation Room, students and staff will be able to continue to revel in the benefits of the new amenity.

Before the opportunity is gone, check out the Prayer/Meditation Room in the Student Life Lounge next time you are in need of a moment to yourself, to send a prayer up above or simply are yearning for a calming breath.

Peaceful Pitstop: Chaffey's New Prayer/Meditation Room