A group called Meditate ’08 wants politicos to take some breaks from the hurly-burly of the Democratic National Convention to listen to their hearts instead of speeches.
More than 30 religious and secular meditation experts will lead 90- minute sessions between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. in meditation, yoga, stress reduction and something called “Dances for Universal Peace” at Fishback Landing.
The venue is a grassy, maple-shaded expanse across the South Platte River from the Pepsi Center convention site. The retreat, Aug. 23-28, can accommodate up to 250 people, organizers say. The event is free and open to all.
“Everyone will be vying and contending. We’re creating a space in which there is no vying and contending,” says event co-chairman Don Morreale, a 40- year practitioner of Buddhism.
Morreale said donations have been pouring in from all over the country to cover the projected cost of $4,000.
Meditate ’08 is the brainchild of Denver psychiatrist David Nichol, a Buddhist and author of “The One- Minute Meditator.” Nichol put his name into the lottery in April for use of the city park during the Democratic conclave. He won the spot for all six days.
“I’ve got this fantasy that Barack Obama comes by and I get to talk to him for a few minutes,” Nichol said.
Convention delegate Jonathan Singer, a 28-year-old child-protection caseworker from Longmont, said he is interested in Meditate ’08.
“It’s a pretty important thing to keep yourself centered in the middle of all of it,” Singer said.
Delegate Dorian De Long, a 37-year-old social studies teacher at Thornton High School, said he’ll be too busy with convention business to sit around.
“Personally, it’s not my thing. I thrive on high stress and chaos,” De Long said. “I’m looking forward to getting wound up.”
Meditate ’08 presenters include Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, American Indian and secular meditation leaders. The jam-packed schedule, which includes nationally known figures such as Sharon Salzberg, is posted on the website .
Chris Lopez, spokesman for the Denver host committee, said this event, like many others, is healthy for the city.
“It’s a good thing. We want a welcoming environment.”
Electa Draper: 303-954-1276 or edraper@denverpost.com
