Sheltering in Community (Online)

What is happening in the world and in our communities is stressful and destabilizing. Reducing social contact can add to that anxiety. Humans really dislike uncertainty, so now it is more important than ever to reach towards one another in connection, and learn tools for resilience.

This 6-week interactive online series to help you centre, calm, and connect, in order to process the enormity of what is happening in our world right now. Sessions will be hosted by Hollyhock Board Vice Chair, Karen Mahon Carrington. Each week will feature different Hollyhock presenters offering reflections and processes to allow us to be truly present to the suffering and possibilities for transformation that are inherent in this moment.

Together we will simply slow down and connect with what is happening for each of us in this time of collective upheaval. We will explore questions such as:

• How do we meet this moment acknowledging our vulnerability and tapping into our deepest strengths?
• What are we learning and how do we hold space for the new emergent reality?
• What wisdom teachings can we draw on for support, and how do we make them relevant for this time?

Week 1: Deep Listening with Karen Mahon, March 26

Connect with others in the Hollyhock community to share, listen, and reflect on what we are each feeling and thinking at in this unprecedented time. Includes a guided meditation and break-out sharing groups.

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Week 2: Mindfulness Practice with Robert Beatty, April 2

According to Buddhism, everything in life is always changing. How can we awaken from the illusion of consistency to the freedom, love, compassion, and joy that is our natural state? Experience mindfulness meditation practices and discussion. Robert Beatty MES, MSW, is a Buddhist meditation teacher of 40+ years.

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Week 3: Crisis, Chaos, & Creativity with Farah Nazarali, April 9

Decay, destruction, and death are a natural part of the cycle of life and is followed by rebirth, renewal and growth. Amidst the chaos of financial survival, how can we be creative, adaptable, and attuned to the deeper calling of this crisis? Discussion and break-out groups will be followed by yogic practices and prayers for inner peace and global harmony. Farah Nazarali is a pioneer in integrating yogic practices and Eastern wisdom with heart-centred conflict resolution.

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Week 4: Stress, Trauma, and the Current Moment with Dr. Gabor Maté, April 16

Our past traumas and coping mechanisms all come to bear in moments of change and uncertainty. In this rare opportunity, Gabor Maté will share his thoughts on the current moment and answer one-on-one questions from participants. This will be followed by discussion in small groups. Dr. Gabor Maté is the author of 4 bestselling books and recipient of the Order of Canada. He is highly sought after for his expertise on addiction, trauma, childhood development, and the relationship of stress and illness.

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Week 5: Holding the Center with Thomas Atum O’Kane, April 23

Now is a time for us to practice holding the center. We will explore perspectives and practices for staying centered in this time of fear and uncertainty, as an act of service to the current suffering and in preparation for whatever follows. Thomas Atum O’Kane is a well-loved long-time Hollyhock presenter. He holds a doctorate degree in transpersonal psychology and is a former senior teacher in the Sufi Order International.

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Week 6: Centering Care and Connection in these Revealing Times with Rev. angel Kyodo williams, April 30

How do we disrupt fear and isolation, and fiercely choose care and connection in the face of personal and planetary crisis? Join us for contemplative embodied practice rooted in teachings from Radical Dharma and Zen Buddhism to help us all meet this moment with sanity, grace, and grit. Rev. angel Kyodo williams, Sensei is an author, maverick spiritual teacher, master trainer and founder of Transformative Change.

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 Important Details

A link will be emailed to all registered participants upon registration. Please come on time by logging in a few minutes in advance, and plan to stay for the full 90 minutes. If you do not see your confirmation email, please check your spam folder.

Registration: You must register for each event separately. Each week will be held at the same time on Thursdays 8:30am-10:00am. To receive an e-mail announcement about new virtual events, please sign-up for our email list and check off “virtual events”.

Video Conferencing: The gatherings will take place on Zoom, a video conferencing tool. You can download Zoom for free (click “download” under “Zoom Client for Meetings”). You do not need a Zoom account, but you will need a device with audio/visual and internet connection. Please check your audio in advance by making sure you have a working microphone, camera, and speakers. (Alternatively, there is an option to join by phone, but the experience will be diminished without video, so we encourage you to use video if you can). A tutorial for Zoom etiquette will be provided at the beginning of the meeting.

Waiting Room & Late Arrivals: Once you login to the link, you will enter a “waiting room.” We will then admit everyone at the start time of 8:30am. If you arrive late, you may have to wait longer, and we can not guarantee that you will be entered. If there is space, we may permit you to enter when it is appropriate.

We look forward to seeing you online!