InNER CITY. INNER PSYCHE.

Pat Harada Linfoot

“The practice of meditation has been a game-changer for me—a process in which I can “shape chaos into something that I can carry around” (Heather Sellers). I’ve been practicing meditation for 18 years and am continually inspired by the power of community to affect transformation. My hope is that we’ll realize that we’re not alone and that we’re able to open to the reality of our common humanity. That social engagement and genuine interest is a portal into a life worth living. That offering mercy to ourselves and others is necessary, useful, and kind. That we can make a difference and begin to change our world, one person at a time. That together we can develop personal and community practices based on respect, gratitude, resiliency, receptivity and grace.”

Michael Alex

“In 2014, in response to a massive surge in stress, learning and health challenges experienced by the teens with whom I was working, I built a healthy movement, mindfulness and life-skills credit-course program: Yoga4Teens: Exploring Paths to Wellness. Meditation is a huge part of my life: both in terms of daily formal practice and, just as importantly, a commitment to bringing the skills and aptitudes meditation and mindfulness confer to daily life. My approach to meditation is equal parts scientific investigation and emotional-spiritual connection. Mostly though, I love sharing sometimes wacky, often challenging and always fun adventures in working with attention and awareness. I'm passionate about meditative practice, and the potential it holds for people of all ages to experience being more alive.”

Josh Cohen

“I first discovered meditation while traveling through India in my late twenties and from that moment it became an essential practice for helping me improve concentration and manage the ups and downs that inevitably arise in our lives. As I practised more and more I started being asked to teach and now almost 20 years later I find myself sharing the techniques and concepts to inquisitive minds who also wish to calm and centre themselves and find a greater sense of ease. I draw upon eastern philosophies, natural physics and western psychology in relating the timeless and universal principles and I treasure the opportunity to share space with beginners and dedicated practitioners alike as we settle into the present-moment awareness of simple being.”

Shir Givoni

“I am honoured to be a graduate of the first ever 50-hour Mindfulness Teaching Training offered by Pat Harada Linfoot and Josh Cohen in 2020, and have been part of the teaching faculty on Our Meditation Channel via Octopus Garden ever since. In addition, I have trained with Pat in the Lojong slogans and continually find inspiration for Compassion and Loving Kindness in the knowledge that life is precious and death comes for everyone. Having lived in Israel-Palestine before moving to Canada-Turtle Island, I have been deeply touched and inspired by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, in particular as these pertain to seeking inner and outer Peace, and recognizing that we all have within us both elements of the Oppressor as well as the Oppressed. As a Linguist, I enjoy exploring mindfulness practices through focus on words and language as a doorway into sitting with ambiguity; transforming the discomfort that arises from seemingly-oppositional meanings and truths into Equanimity.”