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.
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.
Weekly Circles - try out a circle any week!
Open to undergraduate and graduate students
Mindfulness Circle
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 2024: Time & Location
- Mondays, 12:30-1:20pm
- Location: MUSC 212, Spiritual Care and Learning Centre (after entering , 2nd room on the left)
- Mandatory Registration and Screening:
- Register (new window)
- To attend, review our Screening Checklist . If you are feeling unwell, have cold/flu symptoms, or had COVID-19/exposure, please do not attend.
- Contact: Jeff at jdruery@mcmaster.ca
Winter 2025 Time: Thursdays, 2:30-3:20pm, starting January 9
Body, Mind, Spirit Reflection Circle
Exploring Integrated Living
Body, Mind, Spirit Reflection Circle
A supportive space for sharing and listening to each other’s journeys, questions, and ideas about spirituality, mindfulness, and authentic healthy living. Learn from each other in an atmosphere of respect and openness. Each week we'll experience a different guided reflection activity including guided creative expression, journaling reflection, discussion, mindful movement and meditation, and reading circles.
Fall 2024: Time & Location
- Thursdays, 11:30am-12:20pm
- Location: MUSC 220
- Mandatory Registration and Screening:
- Register (new window)
- To attend, review our Screening Checklist . If you are feeling unwell, have cold/flu symptoms, or had COVID-19/exposure, please do not attend.
- Contact: Marybeth at Leismb@mcmaster.ca
Winter 2025 Time: Wednesdays, 3:30-4:20pm, starting January 8
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 2024: Time & Location
- Fridays, 12:30-1:20pm
- Location: circle of rocks behind Hamilton Hall (Register to receive location updates for inclement weather and map directions to the circle of rocks)
- Mandatory Registration and Screening:
- Register (new window)
- To attend, review our Screening Checklist . If you are feeling unwell, have cold/flu symptoms, or had COVID-19/exposure, please do not attend.
- Contact: Marybeth at Leismb@mcmaster.ca
Winter 2025 Time: Fridays, 2:30-3:20pm, starting January 10