Bursary Program: Ensuring Equal Access to Mental Health Services  Universal access to mental health care is an important goal for any society that values the well-being of its citizens. Unfortunately, many individuals are unable to access the mental health care they need due to financial barriers. The Centre for Mindfulness Studies Bursary Program provides financial assistance to those who need it most, making mindfulness-based programs available to individuals who may not have been able to participate otherwise. We believe that mindfulness-based programs are a valuable tool for managi ..read more

Mindfulness, Self-Care, and the Brain  In a world that craves productivity and efficiency, it may feel nearly impossible to dedicate time for the activities that we truly enjoy. What we often fail to realize, however, is that these activities contribute not only to our happiness, but also to our productivity.   Mindfulness has been strongly linked to an increase in positive emotions. By implementing this practice and truly being attentive to our senses and present experience, we become more appreciative of the positivity in our lives, which we are oftentimes too distracted to ..read more

A New Documentary! No Magic Bullet: An Honest Discussion about Mental Health Watch this new, exciting documentary about The Centre’s friend, Bob Koven, and his mental health journey! The documentary also stars the Centre’s Co-founder, Dr. Patricia Rockman with insight into managing mental health. Using his unique brand of humour, Bob dispels the myths and smashes the misconceptions and prejudices surrounding mental health. Bobby delivers a hard-hitting message – there is no magic bullet when dealing with mental health ..read more

National Indigenous History Month and Resources June 21 is known as National Indigenous Peoples Day, which falls under June’s National Indigenous History Month. During this time, we collectively recognize and celebrate the heritage, diversity and significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. Here at the Centre for Mindfulness Studies, we acknowledge the generational impacts of colonial violence and the systemic failures that continue to happen. We stand in solidarity with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and all Indigenous communities who are sufferin ..read more

Mindfully Navigating Technology Technology has been a saving grace for many of us during the pandemic by enabling many of us to work from home and connect with our loved ones. Although there are several benefits to technology, how we relate to it and allow it to consume us can become detrimental. Working from home has forced some to be connected to their devices far longer than pre-covid working expectations. Furthermore, short breaks throughout the day are often filled with even more technology, as we reflexively scroll through our phones checking text messages, the news, and social media ..read more

Compassionate Self-care During Covid-19 It’s been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world. As we learn how to adapt to our “new normal”, the all too familiar word of “self-care” may slowly be starting to lose its significance for many of us. However, self-care is important now more than ever. After all, we cannot begin to take care of others if we haven’t taken care of ourselves first. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you reconsider how you practice self-care in your daily routine: Be kind to yourself It sounds simple, but it’s often forgotten especially during mo ..read more

My Journey with Mindfulness, Dr. Patricia Rockman, and the Centre for Mindfulness Studies   My name is Bob Koven AKA “Sunset Bob” and I have suffered from mental health challenges since I was young. I’d like to share my story about my struggles with mental health and how mindfulness, the Centre for Mindfulness Studies and my teacher Pat have helped my journey. Mental health history When I was teenager, I was described as hyperactive, loud, impatient and having “bad behaviour.” Still, everyone just accredited it to being an adolescent. In my early 20s, I was diagnosed with encephalitis ..read more

So you’ve taken a mindfulness program…what’s next? If you are reading this then I figure some aspect of mindfulness must have resonated with you. But sometimes we need the structure of a group program to provide us with space, support, and accountability to practice mindfulness regularly. Having troubles getting going? We all know how life can get in the way of even the best of our intentions. No matter how well we understand what is good for us – what will help us feel more grounded and resilient, it can be so hard to make the time and space we need to devote even 5 or 10 minutes a day to ..read more

Mindfulness Challenge 2021 is HERE! Each year, hundreds of people meditate together to make mindfulness-based mental health programs accessible to individuals and communities. This year’s event celebrates ten years of bringing mindfulness for mental health to those most in need. We have reimagined the Mindfulness Challenge to mark this milestone, but also to be more accessible to all during these unprecedented times, this event is now virtual! Here are five reasons you should join the Mindfulness Challenge 2021: Great way to start your year by caring for yourself and your community. Given ..read more

Use Mindfulness for Anxiety & Transition this Year!    Here at the Centre for Mindfulness Studies, we understand the mental health issues brought on or aggravated by the Covid-19 crisis. To assist during this challenging time, we’ve created a new program specifically designed to help manage anxiety and emotion that can surface with such uncertainty. This new program will help participants develop and apply accessible mindfulness and cognitive behavioral skills.   Who are the facilitators?   This program is taught ..read more