Gannon, Erie Campus – Breathe in…Breathe out…Whether you enjoy guided meditation or just sitting in the ambient sounds of nature, Smoothing the Soul will help you find your inner peace, and find a delicious smoothie after.

Emily Muntean, Assistant Director of Campus Ministry, has been hosting Smoothing the soul since taking over from Brent Heckman. There have already been three meditation series this semester and there have been an increasing number of students each day.

Emily talks about why she started the meditation event and why hosted it in her own home.

“I took the reins of Smoothing the Soul from the previous Resident Campus Minister…I think part of the appeal and why students enjoy our one hour a week together is because it is hosted in my apartment.”

When it comes to hospitality, Emily is one of the most hospitable hosts on campus, allowing anyone to join her in her home if their shoes are removed beforehand.

“I enjoy being able to open up my home from time to time and show students this can be a safe space for them.”

When asked what the goal of the meditation program Emily had this to say,

“That the residents of North Hall come and get to know each other as well as myself and build a bridge of trust with Campus Ministry more broadly…What I would like to see be different about this year, is obviously some new faces.”

Each meditation starts the same way, your name, where you live on or off campus and a question of the day. Last week it was what is your go to late night snack. Students went around the room and shared their go to, the answers ranged from late night Sheetz runs to homemade buffalo chicken dip.

This year the meditation is hosted by Maria Fedor and Angelise Zakis. Each night there is a different type of meditation. The last Tuesday meditation was a body scan that allowed the group to become more in tune with their bodies.

Once meditation is done, the group discusses what they liked about meditation and what kind they would like to see the next time. Emily also opens the floor to anyone who has shameless plugs, whether that be your organization is accepting new members, or if there is an event that you would like to see some attendance at.

The chatter is soon covered up by the whirring of a blender and soon the red cups come out. Each smoothie is made with almond milk and some kind of fruit blend. Be sure to be on the lookout for the next shaking of the soul where Emily makes milkshakes for those special occasions!

Students enjoying meditation with Emily Muntean

– Photo by Kaiya Danovsky