Restoring Balance: A Compassion-Focused Mindfulness & Movement Session

A gentle blend of breathwork, yoga, and reflective meditation.

A gentle blend of breathwork, yoga, and reflective meditation. Come reconnect with your breath, body, and mind in a soothing, compassionate space. This session combines gentle yoga, breathwork, a guided reflective meditation, and an optional soothing sound bath designed to calm the nervous system, release tension, and restore balance—perfect for a midday reset.

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026

Time: 12:05 p.m. - 12:55 p.m.
Location: Mindfulness Centre, DBAC

Facilitators:

• Claire Leighton, Yoga Instructor

• Cara‑Jane Dempsey, Mindfulness Coach
  

Schedule (50 minutes)

• 30 minutes – Gentle Yoga & Breathwork (Claire)

• 20 minutes – Compassion-Focused Reflective Meditation (Cara‑Jane)

What to Expect:

• No prior experience required

• Gentle movements suitable for all bodies and abilities

• Breathwork to ground and regulate

• Guided meditation with sound (singing bowls)

• Wear comfortable clothing; mats provided (feel free to bring your own)

• Bring a water bottle with you

Accessibility & Comfort:

• Low-light, calm environment with flameless candles

• Options to practice seated or on the mat

• Quiet entry encouraged; please arrive a few minutes early

Mindful Participation & Safety:

This is a practice grounded in kindness and self-compassion. Please treat yourself with care and prioritize your own comfort. If at any point the practice feels uncomfortable, you are welcome to pause, open your eyes, or adjust your posture as needed.

We will close the session with a short, gentle, optional sound bath. A sound bath is a relaxing, meditative experience where you are immersed in soothing tones and vibrations. In this session, the sound bath will be created using crystal singing bowls and a rain stick and/or an ocean drum. These instruments will be used to produce soft, calming sounds that can support rest and relaxation. Participants typically sit or lie down and allow the sound to wash over them.

While sound baths can be very soothing, they may not be suitable for everyone. If you use a medical device or have sensitivities to sound or vibration, please take extra care and participate in whatever way feels most comfortable for you, including choosing to sit out.

Accommodations & Support:

If you require any accommodations to participate in the session, please feel free to contact wellbeing@mcmaster.ca and we’ll be happy to support.

Location:

The Mindfulness Centre can be found by going through the DBAC front desk, turning right and following the signs for the Mindfulness Centre. If you are unsure of the location, please ask at the DBAC front desk and they will direct you.

All participants are required to complete a waiver prior to attending their class. You can access the waiver on the Athletics & Recreation website. https://marauders.ca/documents/2022/4/18/Instructional_Program_Registration_Waiver_2022.pdf

Please submit your waiver to wellbeing@mcmaster.ca. Alternatively, upon arrival, please submit your completed waiver to your instructor when entering your class.

Cost: Free for all Faculty & Staff!