Chances for Chilling
When school starts and the stress of classes and the first tricklings of assignments come about, I start to look for something relaxing that I can do to lessen the load. There are a lot of options depending on the person but since I am a spontaneous gym goer and prefer things that are free…my options tend to be limited. However, I have happened upon a few things that I would like to share for those with similar limitations seeking out a bit of relaxation. The first is something that I discovered a while ago through a friend of mine, a Sunday morning Tibetan meditation session at 9am at the Refinery. It goes for about 2 hours depending and afterwards someone usually brings baking or there is tea and you just sit around in the cushioned space and talk about any and all. I believe my first session was followed by a conversation about some special foreign berry that tastes disgusting but is supposed to be a cure for anything that ails you… I was speculative but intrigued. The reason this meditation felt different than others I have attended is the diversity of the practices are covered. They are all Tibetan mind you but they are different types, including mantras, mandalas, simple mindful meditation and purification of the chakras… and so on. You never really know what to expect but you are always pleasantly surprised and learn something new with each morning spent. It is a very positive, accepting and interesting atmosphere with all ages of people, sometimes there is quite the crowd and sometimes just a few dedicated individuals.
Similarly, I checked out a meditation session that takes place on Wednesday nights at Flowers by Fred on 22nd St W. Some of the same faces were there and it had the same kind of vitality in the meditation except there was difference. This session was more focused on noise! You would think this would be all but relaxing but it’s incredibly calming and a whole new vein of meditation. It’s about an hour and half straight meditation and when the discomfort of sitting fades, there is a new focus on vibrations of sound, both vocal and musical. The space itself is very interesting since it’s in the middle of a flower shop on a rug with chairs and pillows, yet it is so comfortable, even though it was my first time attending I felt completely at ease with everyone there. Again, all ages and all levels of dedication to meditation, some were students like myself looking for something relaxing to empty the mind. I would highly recommend checking one of these meditation sessions or something like it.
Coming up at the Centre in the next month is the Pro-Choice campaign taking place on January 30 – February 3rd. There will be table in the tunnel for the week from 10-2:30pm with an informative display, resources and volunteers from the Centre to answer any questions. Two different documentary screenings will be taking place in Room 105 Memorial Union Building, “Vera Drake” on Thursday at 4pm and “4 Months 3 Weeks and 2 Days” on Friday at 3pm. I hope to see you in the tunnel and in the Centre for the screenings!! I will be updating you further on upcoming events in the next blog!!
Take care
Ashley
