A day of mindfulness for young people, aged 16 - 35

Six monastic from Blue Cliff Monastery, disciples of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, will lead this workshop. We will teach, from our own experience, the art of cultivating mindfulness in everyday life.

Our society is overloaded with intolerance, discrimination, craving, anger and despair. There is stress, anxiety and frustration within us and around us, and acute pressure to succeed in our studies, work and social life. Each one of us has the power to understand why this has happened, and to transform the situation.

Mindfulness practices help us to wake up to what is going on inside and around us, and give us the tools to make a difference, in our own lives and the lives of those around us and, ultimately, in our world. Mindfulness is a simple, scientifically proven way to bring our mind back to our body, to become aware of what is happening in our present experiences so we can live with happiness, joy and freedom. When we are mindful our minds are clear and at peace, and our hearts open and light.

This Day of Mindfulnessis a unique opportunity to come and experience for yourself how mindfulness practices can calm body and mind and release tension, reduce stress, increase clarity and promote health and wellbeing. You'll have a chance to taste the core practices of sitting meditation, walking meditation, mindfulness of breathing, deep relaxation and enjoying your food. Together we will arrive in the present moment, and have a chance to let go of our worries and regrets, stop running, and touch the wonders of life. All of these practices can be applied in your daily lives, the lives of your friends, families and patients.

Location:

Multi-Faith Center, (Koffler House) 2nd floor, Main Activity Hall

569 Spadina Ave.

Toronto, Ontario

Time:

Wednesday May 9, 2012

10 am to 4 pm

Cost:

The event is free but donations appreciated.

A potential schedule for the day:

9:45 am    Songs and introductions, possibly slideshow

10:15       Guided Meditation

10:30       Panel presentation on the practice of Mindfulness

11:30       Walking Meditation outside

12:30pm  Mindful Eating (bring a vegetarian meal)

1:30        Deep Relaxation

2:30       Sharing groups on topics, like: Handling Strong Emotions (such as anger, despair, fear), Mindfulness in the Workplace, Communication in Relationships, Saving the World, Questions & Answers

3:45       Closing Circle

About Wake Up:

Wake Up - Young Buddhists and non-Buddhists for a Healthy and Compassionate Society, is a world-wide network of young people (18-35) practicing the living art of mindfulness. We share a determination to live in an awakened way, taking a 21st Century version of the 5 Mindfulness Trainings as our path and guiding light.  You may also contact us at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Registration:

We ask that you pre-register for this event by clicking here.