Join GC@3 for facilitated mindfulness sessions

Mindfulness has become a movement at Georgian. Many students and faculty practise it in the classroom, and staff incorporate it into their workday. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched a mindfulness initiative open to everyone, everywhere – GC@3.

What’s GC@3? A facilitated mindfulness practice that was originally offered for 10 minutes every weekday at 3 p.m. (April to December 2020).

For 2021, we changed the format to accommodate people’s varied schedules. By request, we also added a longer practice:

• Mindful Monday: 9 to 9:10 a.m., join
• Well-being Wednesday: Noon to 12:30 p.m., join *longer practice
• Focus Friday: 3 to 3:10 p.m., join

Why was GC@3 created? We started it in April when we realized we needed a way to come together as a college community during the pandemic. It gives us all an opportunity to pause, connect, and keep grounded during this challenging time. Now, more than ever, it’s important to practise self-care. This is one tool, of many, you can add to your resilience toolbox.

What can I expect as a participant? Guided breathing, mindfulness and reflection.

Who can participate in GC@3 sessions? Anyone can join – employees, students, grads, community and industry partners. Send your students on a wellness field trip. Invite your family to breathe with you. Pop on with your team.

What’s the premise? Come as you are, wherever you are. Take a few moments out of your day to slow down, recharge, and be part of a supportive community.

How do I participate? Participating is easy – join via Webex and settle into a space that’s comfortable and quiet. For those who join a little early, you’re welcome to chat with others until we begin. Then we’ll mute everyone and turn off videos for our practice.

Do I have to participate on all three days? No. Just participate on the days that work for you. It’s a drop-in; there’s no need to register.

Who facilitates each session? Seasoned practitioners of mindfulness and mental health and well-being at the college.

If I’m a practitioner, can I facilitate a session? Yes, we’re always looking for people to help facilitate. We also welcome student facilitators. In fact, students can earn recognition on their co-curricular record. Reach out to Tracy Mitchell-Ashley to learn more.

What are the benefits of coming to GC@3? Many! For example:

• opportunity to feel part of the Georgian community
• learn strategies to cultivate present-moment awareness
• awaken a mind-and-body connection
• practise strategies known to reduced anxiety and stress over time
• more self-compassion and empathy for others

What’s mindfulness? Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of mindfulness-based stress reduction, describes it as “Awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.” It’s about:

• being in the moment, not reliving the past or imagining the future
• noticing your thoughts without judgment
• slowing down
• being aware of your body

Check out this infographic (.pdf).

What if I can’t make it during those times? Try these guided meditations through Mindfulness Without Borders. You might also like these meditation resources curated by Sharon Salzberg and these meditation and guided reflections curated by Tara Brach.

More mental health supports at the college

Visit the Mental Health and Well-being microsites on the student and employee portals for wellness supports and resources available at the college and in the community. You can also check out our well-being strategy and see our favourite self-care tips.

For our community members, check out these free resources:

• AbilitiCBT: an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy program; complete a short assessment and begin right away
• Beacon digital therapy: available to support Ontarians through stress and mental well-being concerns during COVID-19
• Wellness together Canada: tools and resources for addressing low mood, worry, substance use, social isolation and relationship issues
• Togetherall: an online peer-to-peer support community for your mental health
• Bounce Back: learn skills to help you manage worry and anxiety, combat unhelpful thinking, and become more active and assertive
• WellCan app: resources to assist Canadians develop coping strategies and build resilience to help deal with uncertainty, mental health and substance abuse concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic