Questions & Answers

The name Atrium180 draws on several related metaphors. First, “atrium” can mean an open, light-filled space in the center of a building: a place where people often gather and connect. Atrium also refers to a chamber of the heart, where life-giving blood is received before circulating through the body. “180” represents a turning of attention. In a busy world, much of our focus is directed outward. Contemplative practice invites us to turn inward for a moment: to pause, reflect, and become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and intentions. From that place of greater clarity and steadiness, we can then turn outward again with more focus, care, and resilience. Together, "Atrium180" reflects a simple idea: creating space inside ourselves and our communities to seek peace and insight, so we can then turn outward with compassionate action.

Atrium180 is a nonprofit foundation that advances contemplative practices as a pathway to greater clarity, resilience, and well-being. We do this by offering educational resources, supporting classes and workshops, funding training and scholarships for educators and professionals, and partnering with organizations that want to integrate contemplative practices into everyday environments.

No, we’re not trying to invent a new meditation technique or promote a single approach. Instead, we seek to support, connect, and learn from the many excellent teachers, organizations, and traditions already doing this work. Our focus is on helping people discover practical contemplative practices that fit their lives and can be integrated into schools, organizations, and communities.