back to the breath
mindfulness services

mindfulness services

Mindfulness Coaching

Mindfulness is a particular way of paying attention to what happens in the present moment, with intention and in a non-judgmental way. Research shows its tremendous benefits on our health and wellbeing (e.g. improves attention, reduces symptoms of depression, reduces anxiety, improves resilience, improves immune system, reduces stress etc). I offer mindfulness coaching services in to introduce the practice of mindfulness and support you in integrating it into your daily life, both as a meditation practice and as a lifestyle.

Contact me to discuss your specific needs and goals.

Intro to Mindfulness Workshops

Mindfulness at work not only improves focus and quality of work, but it can improve the wellness and resilience of employees.  For several years I have been dedicated to helping professionals integrate mindfulness practices in the workplace. I offer customized workshops for organizations to introduce the practice of mindfulness for purposes of stress management, wellness and productivity at work.

Contact me to discuss your specific needs and goals.

8-week Virtual Mindfulness Groups

What is Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR)?

This MBSR group is an 8-week group program that provides an introduction to a number of  mindfulness meditation practices, including sitting meditation and various movement practices (ex. gentle stretching) as a way to manage stress.

The program involves a one-time orientation phone call and weekly 2.5-hour group meetings, one 6-hour weekend retreat and committing to daily 30-45 min home practice sessions for the duration of the course.

This program is led by qualified MBSR instructor(s), who have been certified through the Centre for Mindfulness Studies/ University of Toronto and may be covered by extended health insurance. Direct billing is offered for Green Shield and Medavie Blue Cross members.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a practice of attention. It is a particular way of paying attention to what happens in the present moment, with intention and in a non-judgmental way.

What can I expect during the course?

Each class will involve one or two group practices, discussions of the practice as well as discussion of the home practice assignments.

Meditation practices will be guided by the facilitator(s) in class and will involve guided audio/video recordings for the home practice assignments.

What do I need to bring to the sessions?

You may want to bring a water bottle, a yoga mat, a warm scarf and a small cushion.  Wear comfortable clothes in which you can easily stretch. Wear layers and be prepared to take off your shoes during the class.

About the Facilitator

Mihaela Dirlea, MSW, RSW, Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Qualified Mindfulness Instructor, EMDR II

Mihaela has begun her journey in Mindfulness Meditation practice at the Ontario Vipassana Centre in 2010. In 2017 she has completed her Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training at the Centre for Mindfulness Studies / University of Toronto. She has been leading courses, retreats and drop-in sessions at the University of Toronto, Community Care Access Centre Toronto/Central LHIN and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre since 2015. She has worked with Dr. Linda Carlson and Dr. Michael Speca on delivering mindfulness groups for cancer survivors in Toronto and most recently she has worked with Fleet Maull at the Prison Mindfulness Institute in delivering mindfulness groups to correctional officers in Toronto. In 2018, together with her colleague and collaborator Sucheta Heble, she delivered a presentation at A Mindful Society Conference, entitled Mind, Breath and Heart: The Application of Mindfulness in Kathak (North Indian Classical) Dance. In her spare time, besides parenting her young son, Mihaela enjoys studying, practicing and performing a form of North Indian Classical Dance called Kathak.

We acknowledge the history, spirituality, culture, and stewardship of the land of the Indigenous people of this region, the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River.
We seek to live in respect, peace, and right relations with them as we live, work, and worship upon their traditional territory. 

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