Breathe in. Breathe out. Let go.

As final exams, deadlines and thesis presentations loom ever closer for students across campus, the anxiety and stress of completing those assignments are settling in.

In order to combat the stress of college life at Grand Valley State University, the mediation and mindfulness club is welcoming new members to introduce various types of mediation — which include visualization practices, chakra meditations and guided meditations — so that students may have a safe and open place to talk about the stressors in their lives.

Jennifer Ochoa, Mediation and Mindfulness club president, said the club, which was established in 2014, is a way for students of all meditation backgrounds to interact and create a sense of community with other like-minded individuals.

“Meditation is very similar to yoga with the only difference between yoga and meditation is that in meditation you sit quietly and meditate, while yoga is a movement meditation, but they are both trying to achieve the same thing in transforming the self,” Ochoa said.

Ochoa said one of the goals of the club is to create a transformative space that allows individuals to bring more awareness into their daily lives. That awareness established in the club allows individuals to explore different areas of compassion, self-acceptance and insight into their daily lives.

“Meditation is easier in a group, in our opinion and in our group member’s opinions, as it is easier to get into meditation as a group as opposed to trying to get into it by yourself,” she said. “You’re so used to rushing around and say ‘Oh yeah I’m going to meditate by myself in my room,’ and in a group meditation it is a very open and safe space where the atmosphere is very calm and peaceful and I guess it is hard to create that feeling by yourself.”

Alexandra Kamen, who is also an officer with the Meditation and Mindfulness club, said being in a group dynamic helps to create a safe haven for individuals who may be dealing with stress, mental health issues or spirituality issues. She said that in order to deal with all the “bad things” that an individual may be going through in their daily lives, Meditation and Mindfulness acts as a judgement-free zone for individuals to work on themselves and talk about the daily happenings.

“Afterward we have a discussion about whatever you want as you’re free to talk about whatever you want and whatever happens in the room stays in the room,” Kamen said. “Everybody’s confidentiality is still there, and we just try to make everybody happy through meditation, self-awareness and growing as a person into not worrying about everything so much and not being anxious or depressed with whatever you are going through. We want to help you cope.”

Club meetings are held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Monday and Thursday in Room 178 Lake Ontario Hall. Individuals should bring their own meditation cushion, pillow or mat in order to be comfortable throughout the relaxation process.

For more information about the club meetings or the different events the club hosts, visit their Facebook page.