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Loving-Kindness Mindfulness Practice: Instructions for the Heart
Posted by Jaden Gornall on 2020-05-17 13:45

When the crowded Vietnamese refugee boats met with storms or pirates, if everyone panicked, all would be lost. But if even one person on the boat remained calm and centered, it was enough. It showed the way for everyone to survive. —Thich Nhat HanhThe world could use some extra love and kindness right now (and when can it not?). The COVID-19 pandemic revealed to us how globally interconnected we are–and that just as disease holds no regard for the artifice of borders, so too can acts of kindness have expansive effects, beyond our greatest comprehension. more

Love Rocks This Mother's Day
Posted by Fiona Douglas-C... on 2020-05-07 12:27

This worldwide experience is unique to most of our lifetimes.For some it is “strange times’, and for some it is a “crisis”. We are all on our own journeys, and as Mother’s Day approaches, I became curious about how my children see this unique time in history.These “children” are 24 and 20 years old, and there are 5 of us all together in our home. My husband and I, our son and his girlfriend, and our daughter….and then there’s Henry, the Beaglier, who joined the family just before Christmas. His job is to keep things interesting.Our worries and stresses during this time are mundane and mostly minor.But I wanted to know, from my grown kids' perspective….What are they learning? And how did their childhood experiences prepare them (or not) for this situation? more

A Parade of Connection: One School's Creative Response to COVID-19
Posted by Jaden Gornall on 2020-05-03 12:11

Communities of educators, caregivers, and families around the world have inspired us with the unique learning experiences they are designing for their students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) in Vancouver is one example of a school that rose up to the challenge of creating connection beyond the confines of physical distancing in a spectacularly creative way: by orchestrating a school-wide parade. more

Nurture Calm & Carry On: Stories from the Home, Part 2

Posted by Mikaela Hudson on 2020-04-14 17:03

Balance in the Time of Quarantine more

Being Brave in Complex Times
Posted by Fiona Douglas-C... on 2020-04-07 15:15

We could all use a little Bravery right now.For me to tap into the bravest and best version of myself, I know I can't just "tough it out" and immerse myself in the press releases and COVID-19 counts, nor can I live in the Land of Denial - (which is admittedly a tempting place to visit right now).Neither of these are great options, so here are 3 things that not only help me, but they are helping us as an organization to adapt to our shared new reality.Finding Inspiration & Gratitude, Facing Worries, and Helping.What Inspires Me? more

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Nurture Calm & Carry On: Stories from the Home, Part 1
Posted by Mikaela Hudson on 2020-04-01 11:05

I never imagined that, at two years old, I would be teaching my daughter the word “staycation.” Sure, it may be a euphemism for what is really going on – hunkering down, laying low, social distancing, self-isolation, quarantine, lockdown – but at least it’s a friendly term. Whatever you call it, it’s our reality, and that of countless families over the world. For the time being, we are doing all we can to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities by staycationing at home. more

6 Ways to Ring in the New Year With Sound Healing
Posted by Jaden Gornall on 2020-01-09 16:35

Join us in Ringing in the New Year by integrating the practice of Sound Healing into your life! Traditionally used in Buddhist meditation, Tibetan singing bowls are known to have healing properties, stilling your mind while encouraging deep rest and relaxation. Sound Healing facilitates mindfulness, and elevates Theta and Alpha brainwaves, which are associated with relaxation and concentration (respectively). Practices such as mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation that can be incorporated with Sound Healing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with our “rest and digest” mode, and relaxed social engagement. more

RETHINKING PHILANTHROPY: On “Upstream Solutions”
Posted by Fiona Douglas-C... on 2019-12-05 15:40

I went to a fascinating event recently, hosted by SFU Public Square & SFU Alumni. It was called Rethinking Philanthropy, and the event description asked some intriguing questions, including: “Is it time for a new model of philanthropy to meet our rapidly changing world with its increasingly complex problems?”The topic of social justice philanthropy was discussed, which is in part the concept of addressing society’s problems systemically and collaboratively as opposed to adding to the “band-aid” solutions downstream. more

Maria LeRose Hosts a Digital Detox Panel With Dr. Shapka at Heart-Mind 2019: Part One
Posted by Jaden Gornall on 2019-09-04 12:12

For our upcoming conference, Heart-Mind 2019: The Art + Science of Calm, we are thrilled to share that event moderator Maria LeRose will host a Digital Detox Panel with developmental psychologist, digital researcher, and UBC professor Dr. Jennifer Shapka. Before the conference we will challenge four people with diverse backgrounds and digital lifestyles to abstain from social media for two weeks and to journal  about their experiences. During the panel, they will share their stories with conference participants with Maria moderating the discussion, and Dr. Shapka offering her scientific perspective.  more

Heart-Mind 2019 Conference: Tickets are Now on Sale!
Posted by Gemma Holland on 2019-05-28 20:30

Join us for Heart-Mind 2019: The Art & Science of Calm!Tickets for this one day conference are $239 (plus tax and fees; includes breakfast and lunch). To buy tickets and to find out more information about the conference and our wonderful speakers click here.   more