Skip to main content
Skip to McMaster Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to main content
McMaster logo
Open Circle

Reflection Circles - Drop-In Sessions

Reflection Circles are a safe space for connecting with your self and others 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.

This Week's Themes

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.

Time & Location

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.

Time & Location

Live Awake Circle Outdoor

Reconnect, Renew and Revitalize

Slow down to connect and reflect with self, others, and nature. Discuss ideas for the stories you want to live by this term. 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, 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. 

Time & Location