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SUMMARY:What Matters in Teaching Mindfulness to Teens
DESCRIPTION:What Matters in Teaching Mindfulness to Teens\n21st century skills are essential competencies needed for success in today’s world\, including both personal and professional life. Future ready\, social and emotional learning. \nJoin us for a practical and inspiring session designed for all school staff – educators\, youth workers\, counselors\, parents and anyone working with teens. This workshop draws on over a decade of experience implementing mindfulness in high schools and community programs\, focusing on how to meaningfully share these tools with teens in a way that resonates. \nWe’ll explore: \n\nReal-life examples of mindfulness in action with teens\nEngaging practices and activities to try with youth\nStrategies for integrating mindfulness into educational\, community\, and counseling settings\n\nThe session will also introduce The Mindful Edge™ Stress Management and Life Strategies for Teens\, a program for being with the ups and downs of life\, a skill-based\, trauma-sensitive\, evidence-informed program supporting teens in navigating the ups and downs of life. It includes movement\, breathwork\, and reflective practices. \nYou’ll leave with: \n\nInsights into what makes a strong facilitator\nTools for managing resistance and navigating challenges\nGuidance on ensuring programs remain secular and inclusive\nA clear understanding of the connection between mindfulness and mental health\nA curated resource list of books\, apps\, and websites for teens\n\nWhether you’re new to teaching mindfulness or looking to deepen your impact\, this session offers a grounded and compassionate framework for supporting youth well-being. \nBio: Heidi Bornstein\, RP\, Yoga Teacher CYA-E-RYT GOLD\, Founder Mindfulness Everyday\, Director SMART Ontario\, MBSR & SMART Facilitator\, Mindful Movement and Qigong Teacher \nHeidi Bornstein is a certified Hatha yoga and meditation teacher with expertise in mindfulness-based stress reduction and trauma-sensitive practices. She has extensive training from the International Meditation Institute in India\, as well as certifications in Hatha Yoga\, Yoga Science\, and Yoga Ed for diverse populations\, including children\, teens\, and at-risk groups. Heidi’s mindfulness training includes Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) under the guidance of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn\, Dr. Saki Santorelli\, Roy Hintsa\, and Dr. Diane Reibel. She is also trained in Trauma-sensitive Mindfulness\, smartEducationTM\, and Mindfulness for Kids at Risk. Additionally\, she holds certification in Medical Qigong Self-Healing (Levels A & B). As a co-creator of the Yoda-Yoga Program for Kids and The Mindful Edge® – Stress Reduction and Life Strategies for Teens\, Heidi specializes in developing accessible mindfulness and wellness programs for schools and organizations. She is the program coordinator for SMART Ontario\, an advisor for the Mindfulness Council of Canada\, and an instructor at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies. Since 2002\, Heidi has been teaching yoga\, mindfulness\, and meditation\, supporting individuals and communities across educational\, professional\, and therapeutic settings. \nLocation: Westmount Secondary School Auditorium – 39 Montcalm Dr. Hamilton\, Ontario \nParking: Please park in one of the two school parking lots or at the Recration Centre next door. No street parking. \nEntrance: Please use the Main Doors that leads into the front foyer as the presentation will be in the auditorium.
URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/event/what-matters-in-teaching-mindfulness-to-teens
LOCATION:Westmount Secondary School\, 39 Montcalm Dr\, Hamilton\, Ontario\, L9C 4B1\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Mindfulness Hamilton Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251025T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251025T160000
DTSTAMP:20260420T205341
CREATED:20250714T162531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250714T174743Z
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SUMMARY:Mindfulness Hamilton Fall Retreat: Exploring Four Mindful Awareness Baskets
DESCRIPTION:Exploring Four Mindful Awareness Baskets\nSaturday\, October 25th\, 9am to 4pm\nSt. Cuthbert’s Presbyterian Church\, 2 Bond Street N\, Hamilton \nJoin us for a one-day workshop with Har-Prakash Khalsa to explore four fundamental yet contrasting and complementary approaches to developing Mindful Awareness. Har-Prakash will guide us through a meditation for each approach\, followed by a discussion where participants may share meditation experiences and ask questions.  \nThe Four Mindful Awareness Baskets are: \n\n Naming and Knowing – This approach empowers focused attention\, enabling us to recognize and establish a steady level of mindful awareness. It is particularly beneficial for those who experience distractions during meditation or throughout their day – which is just about everyone!\n Nurture Positive – This technique focuses on finding\, creating\, and sustaining positive emotions and thoughts. It serves as a counterbalance to the negativity bias and distressing emotions we encounter\, and cultivates an optimal foundation for improving our behaviors\, situations\, and relationships and achieving our goals. \n Do Nothing – The heart of the Do Nothing technique is the ability to skillfully let go of controlling or directing our attention while remaining effortlessly aware. This can lead to a sense of freedom from our conventional\, limited identity.  \n Turn Back – This approach turns our attention back toward pure awareness and can lead to a deep sense of fulfillment that is independent of conditions.\n\nThe Four Mindful Awareness Baskets is based on a framework developed by Shinzen Young that organizes the methods of diverse contemplative traditions\, East and West. Sufficiently practicing and integrating these approaches leads to the following:  \n\nExperiencing who you are at the deepest levels. \nReducing your suffering and increasing your fulfillment.\nShowing up fully to your life and being of optimal service to others.  \n\nThis workshop is suitable for meditators of all levels. \nHar-Prakash has been teaching and practicing meditation since 1984. He is the creator of the Cultivating the Jewel of Mindfulness Practitioner Training Program and Retreat Guide\, based on Shinzen Young’s mindfulness system and psychological-relational teachings. \nYou can find more about Har-Prakash and what he offers at https://www.cultivatingthejewel.com. Listen to a Mindfulness Hamilton podcast with Har-Prakash 3 | Har-Prakash Khalsa by Hamilton Talks Mindfulness \nFees*:\nEarly bird:  Member  $80 Non-member $100** Financial Hardship $50 \nAfter October 18th: Member $90  Non-member $110 Financial Hardship $60 \n*Fee includes snacks and drinks during breaks. Please bring your own lunch. \n**Membership to Mindfulness Hamilton is $25 a year
URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/event/fall-retreat-exploring-four-mindful-awareness-baskets
LOCATION:St. Cuthbert’s Presbyterian Church\, 2 Bond Street N\, Hamilton\, 2 Bond St N\, Hamilton\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Mindfulness Hamilton Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251126T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251126T193000
DTSTAMP:20260420T205341
CREATED:20250926T200020Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250926T200020Z
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SUMMARY:Mindful Evening: Connecting & Creating Together
DESCRIPTION:Mindfulness Hamilton invites you to an evening of connection\, reflection\, and collaboration as we come together to increase mindfulness in Hamilton. We will review the ideas  from our last networking event in 2023\, provide an update on actions taken to date\, and discuss ways to move forward. This gathering is open to anyone interested in mindfulness\, mindfulness educators\, meditation teachers\, practitioners\, and anyone interested in fostering well-being in our city. \nParticipants have an opportunity to engage in small group networking\, meaningful conversations\, and interactive activities designed to spark new connections and ideas. \nCome together in community to connect and create! Help plan future events that promote mindfulness practice in Hamilton. \nLight refreshments will be provided. \n5:30 – 5:45pm – Arrive and Gather  \n5:45 – 6:00pm – Introduction from Mindfulness Hamilton committee members  \n6:00 – 6:15pm – Guided Meditation to Begin  \n6:15 – 7:00pm – Small Group Networking\, Mingling and Activities  \n7:00 – 7:15pm – Guided Meditation to Close  \n7:15 – 7:30pm – Group Gather\, Reflection and Conclusion  \nLight refreshments will be provided. \nDate: Wednesday\, November 26th\, 5:30 to 7:30pm \nPlace: Hamilton Central Library 55 York Blvd \nThe evening is free but registration is required \n \nQuestions: info@mindfulnesshamilton.ca \nWebsite: mindfulnesshamilton.ca
URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/event/mindful-evening-connecting-creating-together
LOCATION:Hamilton Central Library\, 55 York Blvd.\, Hamilton\, ON\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Mindfulness Hamilton Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260221T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260221T160000
DTSTAMP:20260420T205341
CREATED:20260114T201748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T014908Z
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SUMMARY:The Compassionate Self: Using Mindfulness to Discover the Joy Within
DESCRIPTION:The Compassionate Self: Using Mindfulness to Discover the Joy Within \nWhile we readily accept the imperfections of those we love\, we often judge ourselves harshly\, creating anxiety and blocking our own inner growth. Mindfulness can help us develop the skill to feel more warmth and love for everyone as we navigate our lives. \nThis interactive day-long workshop will focus on building self-compassion skills. We will begin with developing a better understanding of the relationship between our thoughts and emotions and the role they play in determining our outlook in life. We will then work with a number of practices designed to counter habitual tendencies and create a shift in awareness from self-judgement to one of self-compassion and kindness towards ourselves and others. \nThe day will be split into three parts\, each containing a talk and practice. Chairs are available but you are welcome to bring your own mat and cushion. You will also be given specific practices to engage in during a morning break of 15 minutes and the one-hour lunch break. \nAnyone looking to become more proficient in understanding how the mind and emotions influence how we identify with ourselves and the world around us will enjoy the many practical tips\, techniques and practice to enhance overall well being and establish a more joyful\, compassionate self-view. \nDate: Saturday\, February 21st 9am to 4pm \nLocation: St. Cuthbert’s Church\, 2 Bond St.North\, Hamilton\n \nFees*:\nEarly bird:  Member  $80 Non-member $100** Financially Challenged $50 \nAfter February 15th: Member $90  Non-member $110 Financially Challenged $60 \nRegister on Eventbrite Here \n*Fee includes a morning snack and drinks during breaks. Please bring your own lunch. \n**Membership in Mindfulness Hamilton is $25 a year \nFacilitators \nColin De France is a dedicated mindfulness facilitator\, meditation guide\, and yoga teacher based in Ontario\, Canada\, serving the Hamilton and Greater Toronto region. With a deep passion for helping individuals find balance\, clarity\, and inner peace\, Colin blends mindfulness\, meditation\, and classical yoga practices to support personal and professional well-being. Colin did a podcast with Mindfulness Hamilton which you can access at this LINK  \n \nJaney Piroli Combining over two decades of leadership development experience with a deep passion for human potential\, Janey Piroli brings a unique blend of professional wisdom and holistic wellbeing practices to her work with individuals and organizations. As a Certified Executive Coach and graduate of the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute’s ENGAGE program\, Janey has touched the lives of hundreds of people globally\, helping them become more present and authentic in all areas of their lives – as leaders\, partners\, parents\, and friends. Her natural ability to create trusting relationships and inspire hope has been foundational to her work in organizational development\, where she has successfully championed mindfulness initiatives that bridge professional excellence with personal wellbeing. 
URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/event/the-compassionate-self-using-mindfulness-to-discover-the-joy-within
LOCATION:St. Cuthbert’s Presbyterian Church\, 2 Bond Street N\, Hamilton\, 2 Bond St N\, Hamilton\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Mindfulness Hamilton Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T203000
DTSTAMP:20260420T205341
CREATED:20260123T184031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T184031Z
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SUMMARY:Taking in the Good: Rewiring the Mind towards Happiness and Joy
DESCRIPTION:Taking in the Good: Rewiring the Mind towards Happiness and Joy \nJoin us for an evening exploring why negativity has such a strong pull\, and how science shows we can retrain the brain toward happiness and joy.   \nYou’ll be introduced to practical\, evidence-based ways to counterbalance this tendency\, including practices that cultivate gratitude\, joy\, and awe. These practices aren’t about ignoring difficulty—they’re about training the mind to register goodness more fully and deeply.\n\nThe evening will include gentle teaching\, guided practices\, and meditations that you can easily bring into daily life. Through reflection and experience\, you’ll learn how to “take in the good” in ways that support resilience\, emotional balance\, and a greater sense of ease. No prior meditation experience is needed—just a curiosity about how small shifts in attention can create meaningful change. \nInstructor: Melanie Schwindt is a graduate of the Awareness Training Institute in collaboration with the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California\, Berkeley. She offers evidence-based mindfulness and meditation practices grounded in neuroscience\, embodiment\, and compassion-based inquiry. Known for her relational and inclusive teaching style\, Melanie meets people where they are\, offering practical tools and contemplative practices that help navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity\, steadiness\, and care.\nFor more information\, visit www.melanieschwindt.com. \nDate: Wednesday\, March 25th\, 2026 \nTime: 6:30 to 8:30pm \nPlace: The Staircase Theatre 27 Dundurn St North\, Hamilton \nFees: Early bird until March 18th: $25 members; $35 non-member*; $10 student/financial hardship\, After March 19th: $30 members; $40 non-member*; $15 student/financial hardship \n*Note: Membership in Mindfulness Hamilton is $25 per year  \nRegister Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/taking-in-the-good-rewiring-the-mind-towards-happiness-and-joy-tickets-1981272264678?aff=oddtdtcreator
URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/event/taking-in-the-good-rewiring-the-mind-towards-happiness-and-joy
LOCATION:The Staircase Theatre\, 27 Dundurn St North\, Hamilton\, Ontario\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Mindfulness Hamilton Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T160000
DTSTAMP:20260420T205341
CREATED:20260326T161738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T161738Z
UID:10003766-1777194000-1777219200@mindfulnesshamilton.ca
SUMMARY:The Art of Being: A Mindful Journey Through Sitting\, Sound\, Mandala and Movement
DESCRIPTION:The Art of Being: A Mindful Journey Through Sitting\, Sound\, Mandala and Movement Sunday April 26th at the Art Gallery of Hamilton \n123 King Street West\n9am to 4pm\n\nWe invite you to a special day dedicated to cultivating joy and presence in everyday life through different mindfulness meditation experiences. By exploring mindfulness through a variety of practices\, we can enhance our ability to be fully engaged in each moment. Experienced meditators will appreciate the chance to deepen their practice. People new to meditation will have a chance to explore approaches other than formal sitting to experience the art and beauty of living mindfully. \nAdmission to the Art Gallery comes with your registration. You may wish to browse the galleries during the lunch break\, or from 4 to 5pm after our workshop ends and before AGH closes\, or if there is a workshop you choose not to attend\, you may browse the galleries or find a quiet space to just be for a while. \nSessions include:\n\nMindfulness Through Sound \nJourney through a sound bath meditation; an intentional\, traditional healing practice that ebb and flows with the power of sound\, frequency and vibration to tune into your creative consciousness. As the waves of sound from quartz singing bowls flow in\, you are invited to rest. The session will be led by Melaina Gasbarrino founder of SALT to TREE\, a wellness company she created to welcome us all into a place of ease.\n \nMindfulness Through Slow Looking\nDid you know that the average time spent looking at a work of art is just 17 seconds? In this session\, you will select a painting and engage in deep\, mindful observation\, spending many minutes gazing at the artwork. Stools or yoga mats for sitting are provided. Led by Laurie Kilgour-Walsh\, Head of Programs and Learning at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Laurie has worked at AGH for 19 years.  In recent years\, her work has focused on the power of arts experiences to improve wellbeing in participants through a focus on strengths\, social connection\, and shared experiences.  With a strong belief in person-centred programming\, her work encourages participants to see and think about art in new ways.  She is also a mother\, and a practicing visual artist.\n\nMindfulness Through Creative Movement\nThrough music & gentle verbal guidance\, participants will express physical sensations\, perceptions\, and experiences. Our breath will act as the interpreter between the body & mind allowing for a beautiful holistic reset for body\, mind & spirit. This practice is accessible to all levels & abilities. The session will be led by Tasha Bodnarchuk who brings many years of studying yoga\, dance and mindful movement to her teaching. \nMindfulness Through Mandala Creation \nMandala painting is a creative\, contemplative practice that combines the meditative focus of silent presence with the expressive beauty of visual art. A ‘mandala’ (Sanskrit for circle) is a geometric symbol representing wholeness\, unity and the cosmos. Creating one cultivates a pathway inward – a form of active methodical meditation. No art experience required. The session will be led by Shawn McGregor of bodyRhythm Studios providing a safe space to breathe\, to move\, to heal. \nRegister Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-art-of-being-a-mindful-journey-tickets-1985968670755?aff=oddtdtcreator \nThanks to the generosity of the Art Gallery of Hamilton\, we are able to offer this program for the following fees*: \nEarly bird:  Member  $75 Non-member $90 Financially Challenged $35 \nAfter April 20th: Member $85  Non-member $100 Financially Challenged $40 \n*Note that participants will provide their own lunch and snacks. The AGH snack bar opens at 11am
URL:https://mindfulnesshamilton.ca/event/the-art-of-being-a-mindful-journey-through-sitting-sound-mandala-and-movement
LOCATION:Art Gallery of Hamilton\, 123 King St W\, Hamilton\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Mindfulness Hamilton Events
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