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Reflection Circles are a safe space for connecting with yourself and other students in an atmosphere of respect and awakening to your authentic life through exploring mindfulness practice, creative expression, and discussion
Reflection Circle Guidelines
- Creating an atmosphere of freedom, safety, and respect
- Respecting each others' ideas, opinions, feelings, & questions
- Working to see that everyone feels the freedom to participate or pass
- Respecting confidentiality
Listen to Abigail's story to learn more about Reflection Circles
April 2-4 is the last week of reflection circles for the Winter term.
Open Circle's Reflection Circle Registration Poll
Register by August 17th to have your schedule included in setting the times! You can register by completing this form: Reflection Circle Registration Poll
Upcoming Themes
Register by August 17th to have your schedule included in setting the times! You can register by completing this form: Reflection Circle Registration Poll
See more information here: opencircle.mcmaster.ca/reflection-circles
What can I expect at a Reflection Circle?
- A respectful and safe place to explore mindfulness practices, creative expression, and participate in open discussions
- Opening quotation to set the tone for the activity and reflection
- Introductions and brief, no-pressure icebreaker activity
- Check-in about how your week has been so far
- A judgement free space where everyone is welcomed to share or pass
- 15-20-minute practice that relates to a different theme each week
- Time for reflection and discussion
- Drop in with no commitment required
- You do not need to sign up or be part of Open Circle to attend a Reflection Circle
Find out more about each Reflection Circle's themes below.
Current Weekly Circles
Try out a circle any week!
Open to undergraduate and graduate students
Mindfulness Circle
Bring awareness and calm into your day
Join us to learn about meditation and to support each other in becoming more mindful. Each session begins with a check-in about our experience of the past week, then a meditation practice is introduced and guided for 15-20 minutes of practice, followed by an opportunity to discuss any questions or insights. Each week we explore a different mindfulness practice including breath awareness, guided imagery, artistic expression, and other activities that the group wishes to learn together. No experience necessary – whether you are new to meditation or already engaging in regular reflection, having the support of a group can help to strengthen your practice.
Fall 2025: Time & Location
- TBD
- To attend, review our Screening Checklist . If you are feeling unwell, have cold/flu symptoms, or had COVID-19/exposure, please do not attend.
Live Awake Circle Outdoor
Reconnect, Renew, and Revitalize
Slow down to connect and reflect with self, others, and nature. Experience movement, creative, and mindfulness practices to support personal discovery, authenticity, and living with intention. Themes and activities will include: habits to sustain oneself during school, self-awareness, journaling, creative expression, simplicity, listening to nature's guidance in living slowly, mindfully, and heartfully, body positivity, gratitude, spirituality from diverse perspectives, letting go of comparison, grounding during change and uncertainty, how to de-stress, play, meditation, mindful walking and movement, and other topics the group is interested in.
Fall 2025: Time & Location
- TBD
- To attend, review our Screening Checklist . If you are feeling unwell, have cold/flu symptoms, or had COVID-19/exposure, please do not attend.