***Welcome to Community Mindfulness Meditation (GCNC Meditates)!*** **Where and when:** We meet at the **George Chuvalo Neighbourhood Centre** in the Junction Triangle in Toronto every **Monday from 7 pm to 8 pm**. Chairs, limited cushions, and yoga mats are provided (bring your own if you have a favourite) **What and who:** weekly meditation sessions for and by neighbours and community members. No experience and no registration are needed and **attendance is free or by donation ($5 suggested, cash only in person)**. Learn more about your facilitators, JulieMae (she/her) and Christina (she/her), at https://gcncmeditates.wixsite.com/community-meditation **How (structure):** We begin by settling in and grounding ourselves in the space, with an optional check-in to share how we are feeling, followed by a 25-minute guided meditation practice. After the period of formal practice, there is a period of optional sharing once again, where practitioners can share insights, reflections, challenges, questions, ponderings, and joys. We conclude our gathering with a dedication of the good generated from our practice to specific individuals or groups of individuals. We may also set an intention for the week ahead and share that—again, always optionally. We offer these practices in a space that is inclusive of all, while recognizing that mindfulness meditation is not a one-size-fits-all approach; we therefore encourage folks to follow their inner guidance whenever needed and to ask questions and for support or guidance whenever necessary. Both facilitators are trained in trauma-informed mindfulness instruction and keep that at heart in their guidance, recognizing that we all show up with different life experiences. We facilitate these sessions with the support and guidance of our own teachers, practising and learning with them to benefit our community. **Questions:** You can contact us here on meetup, via our site, or via e-mail at gcncmeditates@gmail.com. We so look forward to meeting and practising with you, for the benefit of all.
