x-Societal Health and Well-Being

The motto of Societal Health and Well-Being (SHWB) is the Sakyong’s wish that Shambhala be “more like life and less like school”. The Ottawa centre is committed to creating an engaged and kind community and  improving interpersonal communications, thus ensuring that everyone feels welcomed.

The ability for people to be open and vulnerable within a kind and sane environment lies at the heart of Shambhala’s vision for enlightened society. Our practice, study and work environments, as well as our relationships should be free from harassment, intimidation, discrimination and abuse of any type.

The Shambhala Care and Conduct Policy emphasizes that each individual should be treated with respect and dignity in all aspects of diversity (such as racial, ethnic, socio-economic, sexual orientation, age, gender, physical ability). We are also citizens of the larger communities and we also abide by public laws. These include but are not limited to laws pertaining to alcohol, drugs and sexual conduct. Each individual has the right to practice, study and meditate in an atmosphere that is free from discrimination.

We foster greater communication and contact among community members and to care for the health and well-being of members when illness, conflict or social difficulties arise. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Director of Societal Health and Well-Being at [email protected].

Compassion for People Who are Suffering

Group Meditation Practice For Those Who Are Seriously Ill

Maitri Bhavana is a practice in which we cultivate compassion by taking on the sense of suffering of others and acknowledging our interconnectedness. A sense of spaciousness is directed to those who are suffering, with the intention of providing relief from the claustrophobia which suffering creates.

If you know someone who is suffering from a mental or physical pain, you are invited to send us an email to  [email protected]   indicating the name of this person along with the nature of their pain (for example: cancer, depression, etc.) and we will include them in our monthly Maitri Bhavana practice.

In addition to our email, there’s also a sign-up sheet at the centre.

Accessibility and Disability

The Ottawa Shambhala Meditation Centre is committed to providing for seniors and people with disabilities, various activities, programs, practices, any teachings in a safe, workable, uplifted and dignified as access is for anyone else.

Our centre is WHEELCHAIR accessible.

We can also accommodate people with visual and hearing disabilities; please contact SHWB as soon as possible and prior to attending a program so that we can evaluate how we can assist.

 

NUT and SEED Free Centre

In order to create an environment that is welcoming to those that have allergies, the Ottawa Shambhala Meditation Centre is NUT and SEED free.

Therefore, we are asking you to avoid bringing any nuts or seeds to the centre or food that may contain  them (hummous included). This includes foods brought or served during weekend retreats, evening hospitality snacks, pot‑luck celebrations or get-togethers, but also if you are just bringing your own lunch to eat at the centre. We thank you for being mindful of others who have such allergies.

If you are not sure if something you are considering is a problem, please contact SHWB.

 

Low Scent Environment

Allergic and asthmatic patients, as well as those with other conditions, report that certain odours, even in the smallest amounts, can trigger an attack. The severity of symptoms can vary. Some people report mild irritation while others must give up normal activities in order to avoid exposure to certain odours. These reactions can be known as a condition called environmental sensitivities. In order to prevent such instances, we are asking that everyone visiting the centre be mindful and avoid using highly scented products.

If you are registered to a program or an activity at our centre and have such sensitivities, please contact SHWB prior to attending a program.