Guided Mindfulness Meditation Retreats
How Does a Guided Retreat Work?
A retreat provides an opportunity and a caring space for undertaking guided meditation, like an immersion course in a language. Meditation retreats offer practical instruction for mindfulness meditation in a shared community setting. Participants can reflect in practice and share their experiences connecting with others in the group.
Since ancient times, all wise cultures have known the value of retreat. Time in retreat allows us to step out of life’s complexity, to listen deeply to our bodies, hearts, and minds. It is an opportunity to be with yourself, within a group setting, allowing awareness to expand, the body to quiet, the mind to clear, and an opening for insight to develop. Self-knowledge and understanding can grow as we see that we can live each moment with attention, clarity, and kindness.
Reflect & Connect – Special Event
Introduction to Sleep Qigong & Self-Acupressure
November 28 @ 10:00 am – noon | Fee $48
at Friends House, 60 Lowther Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1C7 (Near Bedford TTC)
In person, live and not recorded. Handouts will be provided.
Sleep issues can occur at different times during our lives in a variety of ways and for different reasons. You might have trouble falling asleep; perhaps you can fall asleep easily but wake up several times throughout the night; you might fall asleep but wake up too early feeling you haven’t slept quite enough; or you suffer from insomnia. Stress, anxiety, depression, age, worry, and other factors can all contribute to sleep complications.
This session of demonstrations and guidance through some holistic and non-invasive ways to deal with sleep issues, includes simple self-acupressure, gentle qigong, helpful tips, and calming breathing exercises. Whether you experience occasional or chronic sleep problems, this session can provide you with some alternative ways to deal with it.
Facilitators: Sifu David Leopold has been practicing, studying, researching and teaching martial and healing arts since 1994. In 1999, Sifu David achieved his black belt in Shaolin Kung Fu. Since 1999, Sifu David has received numerous certifications in Tachi and weapon forms, and seven Qigong routines. In 2009, Sifu David received his Usui Reiki master certification from the Naturopathic School of Medicine in Toronto. By combining all these modalities and experiences, he brings a unique style of teaching that includes technique, philosophy, and practicality. Sifu David’s approach to teaching is relaxed and he believes Taichi and Qigong practice should be useful in everyday life and enjoyable to do.
Sifu David has a passion for martial and healing arts. His holistic approach to wellness includes physical, emotional, spiritual and nutritional well-being. Sifu David continues to improve his skills as a practitioner, teacher/ mentor, and hopes to teach for the rest of his life.
Heidi Bornstein and Stephen Chadwick, founders of Mindfulness Everyday, will guide Mindfulness practices, focusing on managing transitions.
In the spirit of generosity, spaces are available to those who genuinely cannot afford the full cost of the retreat.
Alternative payment options may be considered. Please get in touch with us: natanya.mandel@mindfulnesseveryday.org
Please remember to bring:
- A mindful lunch
- A water bottle
- A cup/mug for a warm drink
- Any snacks you may need
- A journal and a pen
Please Note:
- Minimum number of attendees 12, maximum 20 due to space constraints, so please register early!
- Doors close at 10:15 am sharp. Please aim to arrive early so that you can set yourself up without disrupting the group.
Come as you are, and take this time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Stephen Chadwick: co-founder, Educational Liaison – MBSR & SMART Teacher/Facilitator.
The “stress” of education has been on academics and a full education is missing, one where a child develops socially and emotionally. Children are multi-faceted human beings. I believe that adults and youth need to become friends with themselves, accepting who they are and connecting iwth the wisdom they have within already.
Heidi Bornstein is the co-founder of Mindfulness Everyday and a certified yoga and meditation teacher with extensive training in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). She co-created the Yoda-Yoga Program for kids and Mindful Edge® program for teens, both designed to foster mindfulness and stress resilience in schools. With a background in trauma-sensitive mindfulness MBSR, and yoga for at risk youth, Heidi has been teaching mindfulness and yoga in Toronto since 2002. She is an advisor for the Mindfulness Council of Canada.
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Sifu David Leopold has been practicing and teaching martial and healing arts since 1994. He holds a black belt in Shaolin Kung Fu, certifications in Taichi and Qigong, and is a Usui Reiki Master. In 2012, he earned two gold and one bronze medal at the International Wushu Competition in Shanghai. Sifu David combines martial arts, energy healing, and philosophy to create a practical, enjoyable teaching style. He conducts classes, workshops, research initiatives, and contributes to wellness media. his holistic approach emphasizes physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
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