In Kamloops, mindfulness has moved from the margins to the mainstream. What was once a niche practice is now embedded in schools, community programs, and wellness centres across the city. Mindfulness is becoming a common thread in the community's mental health and well-being approach.
This shift isn't just about stress reduction; it's about building resilience, fostering connection, and creating spaces where people can pause and reflect. From the structured programs at the YMCA to the serene offerings at the Mindfulness Studio, Kamloops residents have access to various resources that support a more mindful way of living. As the city continues to embrace these practices, mindfulness is not just a personal journey but a collective movement toward a more present and compassionate community.
Studios for Mindfulness: Guided
Mindfulness at the YMCA
The Kamloops YMCA-YWCA offers several mental wellness programs incorporating mindfulness techniques. Their Prenatal Wellness program is a free group for expecting parents, teaching coping strategies like meditation and self-compassion tools to use during labour and early parenthood.
The Y Mind Youth program is a free seven-week mental wellness initiative for individuals aged 18-30. Participants learn healthy coping skills, connect with peers, and receive support in a safe environment.
The Kamloops Shambhala Meditation Group offers weekly public sitting meditation hours and dharma talks. Their practice is rooted in mindfulness and awareness meditation, aiming to cultivate the mind's inherent stability and clarity.
Mindfulness Studio
The Mindfulness Studio offers a range of services promoting mental and physical well-being. Under the guidance of Wayne Porterfield, a certified 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with over 1,400 classroom hours and more than 35 years of meditation experience, the studio provides in-person and virtual yoga classes, meditation programs, and mindfulness coaching.
Yoga classes at the studio are inspired by the Anusara style, focusing on proper alignment, breath awareness, and mindful practice. These classes are designed to accommodate individuals of all levels, emphasizing the connection between body, mind, and spirit.
The studio also offers meditation programs, including a 10-week introductory course titled "Beginning the Journey to Inner Peace." This course explores the fundamentals of meditation and mindfulness, guiding participants in establishing a regular practice and incorporating mindfulness into daily life. A follow-up weekly meditation class is available for those who have completed the introductory course.
In addition to yoga and meditation, The Mindfulness Studio provides mindfulness coaching sessions. These sessions aim to help individuals overcome personal and professional challenges by fostering self-exploration and growth. Through this holistic approach, clients work towards cultivating greater joy, peace, and fulfillment in their lives.
Happyness Centre
The Happyness Center offers a comprehensive approach to mental health and wellness. Their services include integrative counselling, therapeutic yoga, mindfulness practices, and community programs to foster resilience and personal growth.
The centre provides various services such as yoga, meditation, community healing, counselling, recovery meetings, and outdoor therapy. They partner with other businesses and organizations to integrate with the community and deepen mental health and wellness.
Therapeutic yoga classes, led by Yvette Lehmann, focus on movement, breath techniques, meditation, and mindfulness practices to support individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, and trauma. These classes are designed to be accessible, promoting self-discovery and emotional healing.
The Happyness Center also offers programs like SMART Recovery meetings, which are science-based and self-empowered recovery programs for individuals seeking independence from addiction and problematic behaviour. Additionally, they provide services such as Reiki, foot massage, energy balancing, and access bars to support holistic healing.
With a team of dedicated practitioners, The Happyness Center aims to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Their integrative approach combines modern psychological practices with holistic healing techniques to promote lasting transformation.
Serene Soul Connections
Serene Soul Connections offers holistic services promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Founded by Arlene Hand, a certified hypnotherapist and Reiki practitioner with over 30 years of experience in energy work, the centre provides a tranquil space for individuals seeking personal growth and healing.
The centre's services include Reiki, guided meditation, hypnotherapy, and oracle card readings. Reiki sessions focus on restoring balance and harmony to the body's energy centres, while guided meditation promotes relaxation and mindfulness. Hypnotherapy services address issues such as smoking cessation, anxiety reduction, and weight loss by tapping into the subconscious mind to foster positive behavioural changes.
Serene Soul Connections also offers oracle card readings, providing individuals with insights and guidance to navigate life's challenges. These readings utilize decks of cards featuring images and symbols believed to convey messages from higher consciousness.
Clients can choose from various pricing plans, including multi-session packages and a VIP plan that offers a free session after purchasing five. The centre emphasizes personalized care, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs and goals of the individual.
Community Events and Outdoor Practices
Yoga in the Park is a series of free sessions held at McDonald Park every Wednesday from June 7 to July 26, organized by Kamloops Immigrant Services in collaboration with Let's Move Studio. These sessions are open to all, regardless of experience level.
Forest therapy, also known as forest bathing, is gaining popularity in Kamloops. This practice involves immersing oneself in a natural forest environment to improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
The City of Kamloops hosts events focused on self-growth and mindfulness, such as the "Empowering Youth" event. These initiatives aim to build a resilient and supportive community.
Integrating Wellness into Daily Life
Integrating yoga and mindfulness into daily routines in Kamloops is accessible and encouraged. With various studios, community programs, and outdoor events, residents have numerous opportunities to engage in practices that promote mental clarity, physical health, and emotional resilience.
The supportive community and diverse offerings make it easier for individuals to embark on or deepen their wellness journeys. Whether attending a studio class, participating in a park session, or joining a mindfulness program, Kamloops provides the resources and environment conducive to holistic well-being.
