upcoming workshops and events
summer 2010
get-away days at the riversound retreat in fergus
thursday, july 29 from 11am - evening*
friday, august 6 - 9:30am - 6pm*
(jill will be holding a restorative yoga class on aug 6 @ 6pm - by donation)
*come for the whole day or just a part. more dates to come in august and september. by donation
i am coordinating some self-guided retreat days at the riversound retreat in fergus. the idea is to simply be in a beautiful place and enjoy the day however you like. there will be a few guided, optional activities offered by participants. you can join in a meditation or yoga session, or just spend the day reading by the river or playing the flute to the trees. bring your art supplies, a nice blanket and relax. it's a chance for us all to see what happens when there is no fixed itinerary and the only goal is to be. it's a very important part of practice that we rarely get to experience. if you haven't been out to the riversound retreat yet, you really must come. it's a magical space and it's healing just being there. i can't wait to see you there! please share this invitation with anyone you know who might be interested.
please rsvp to let me know the following:
- if you're coming and which date(s)
- do you need a ride/can you offer a ride
- would you like to offer to guide a practice for the group (meditation, yoga, etc...)
please bring an item for the pot-luck lunch
restorative yoga class monday, august 2 from 6-8pm
we'll dive into being peace - in our bodies, minds, communities and universe. followed by optional meditation sitting. please register in advance. no drop-ins. by donation. 122 harris st.
drop-in meditation - monday august 2 @ 8pm
122
harris st - by donation, open to all.
(september and october dates to come)
7am - silent meditation * 7:30 - yoga asana session * 9am
- off on your merry way!
it can't get any better
than this! drop in for meditation, yoga, or both. for one day, two or
all four. whatever works. i would love to have you be part of this. by donation. please rsvp to participate. location tba, in guelph.
join melina bondy at for a day of resting, learning and playing through yoga, meditation, walking, writing and creative exploration - all focused on waking up to the fullness of this very moment. drawing on the teachings of thich nhat hanh, joanna macy and more. open to practitioners of all backgrounds and experience. Bring your friends! lunch will be a vegetarian potluck. limited to 18 participants - reserve your space now. location tba - guelph or fergus.
to register:
~ a $20 registration fee is required to confirm your place and cover space rental and administrative expenses.
~ the facilitation is offered freely. dana (donations) will be accepted at the end of the day. bartering is welcome.
~ call 519.824.9148 or email melinabondy@yahoo.ca
~ if you would like to carpool, let me know and i can connect you with someone else who will be driving
~ registration deadline: august 31.
start your day off right! meditation and yoga
6:45am - silent meditation
7:15am - reading and reflection
7:30 - yoga asana session
...9am - off on your merry way!
it can't get any better than this! drop in for meditation, yoga, or both. one day or all five. whatever works. i'll be there practicing and would love to have you join me. by donation. please let me know if you're coming for one day or the whole week.
the path of true love
thursday, july 1, 9:30am-5:30pm
treat yourself to a daylong retreat this canada day! spend time working on your relationship with yourself and the whole world. it will be a day of resting, learning and playing through yoga, meditation, walking, writing and creative exploration, all focused around the buddha’s teachings on the qualities of true love: friendliness, joy, compassion and balance.
no previous experience in yoga or meditation needed, open to practitioners of all backgrounds and experience. bring your friends! lunch will be a vegetarian potluck.
to register:
~ a $20 registration fee is required to confirm your place and cover administrative costs. registration deadline: june 28.
~ the facilitation and handouts are offered freely and dana - donations – will be accepted at the end of the day.
yoga: on and off the mat
july 30-aug 1
Yoga is about so much more than physical exercise - it is about authentic living and remembering the joy and peace that we already have within. In this weekend retreat, we’ll explore the many faces of yoga by sharing daily yoga classes, meditation, silent walks, creative group work and personal exploration. Instead of getting away from it all, we’ll get into it all! Open to experienced yoga practitioners and beginners alike.
Tuition: $75 for the program + meals and accommodation (*$40-$120)
For more information call 519.824.9148. To register call 519.925.6432 or email unicampofontario@hotmail.com
* This weekend retreat will be held at Unicamp in Honeywood, Ontario – a 75-minute drive from Guelph, near Creemore. Camping, cottages and dorms are available along with meals, or you can bring your own. The weekend will be lead by Melina Bondy, BFA, certified Yoga Instructor & student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
2009
bhakti bliss workshop - october 23, 2009
the healing practice of mantra and chant - sunday july 12, 2009
community dinner & satsang - sunday, july 12, 5:30pm-8pm
hillside workshop - july 25 & 26
in-city retreat - august 24-28
the healing practice of mantra and chant
sunday july 12, 1-4pm
join yoga teacher and chant enthusiast melina bondy and devotional chant artist brenda mcmorrow in exploring the mind-body-spirit connection of yoga-asana
postures, the sacred sounds of mantra and the joyous singing of kirtan (a practice of devotional, or bhakti yoga.) kirtan is a powerful, heart-opening way to connect with the truth
of one's being. open to people interested in singing (no experience
necessary), meditation, yoga, sound healing and anyone wanting to have a good time! come
wearing comfortable clothing that allow for simple yoga postures, a
water bottle and a willingness to try something new!
location: meadowview shala, 41 meadowview ave
donation: sliding scale $40 - $20.
please register in advance: 519.824.9148 ~ info@brendamcmorrow.com ~ melinabondy@yahoo.ca
community dinner & satsang: living from spirit in material times
sunday july 12 and sunday, august 23 at 5:30pm
satsang is the sanskrit word for “company of the wise.” a satsang is a time for people to gather and participate in meditation, kirtan (yogic chanting), spiritual discussion and food.
it is a joyful and enriching time to strengthen and deepen your connection to yoga community and practice
. please bring please bring a vegetarian item to share for this special meal. i'll be hosting the community dinner and satsang
evenings on to kick-off the in-city retreats though they are open to everyone. please bring your friends!
location: meadowview shala, 41 meadowview ave
donation: absolutely free!
please let me know if you can come. please contact: 519.824.9148 ~ melinabondy@yahoo.ca
if you are interested in learning more about chanting, meditating or hosting a satsang, please contact me. in-city retreat - get away without leaving home
monday, july 13 - friday, july 17
all spiritual and religious traditions of the world encourage a time of quiet and reflection. it is a universally accessible route to personal and spiritual growth.
the time that i have spent on retreat has transformed my life and continues to teach, inspire and nourish me on a daily basis.
i want you to get this chance too! maybe you’ve thought about going on a retreat but couldn’t find the time or money. or you’ve been meaning to do another one but the timing is never right.
if you've never done a week of daily practice, you'll be amazed to see the difference it makes in body, mind and spirit. if you've already had the chance, then you'll be ready for more. so, here is your chance!
please come to the sunday night community dinner and welcome for the opening!
mornings, monday to friday
6:45am - meditation, chanting and a reading
7:45am - hatha yoga practice
9:00am - breakfast (potluck or on own)
working meditation or self-guided practices - walking meditation, reading, journaling...)
evenings, monday to thursday
5:30pm – hatha yoga practice
6:30pm - supper break (brownbag or potluck if there's enough interest)
7:00pm - philosophy, discussion and sharing
8:00pm – meditation and chanting
9:00pm – noble silence and sleeping - the retreat continues even at home.
the split of morning and evening sessions are designed to allow you to work in the daytime, only mornings or evenings if you have other responsibilities, or other divisions if necessary. if you care interested, please speak to me. there are many ways to participate and creative ways to make things happen! i am committed to find a way to make this work for everyone. absolutely no one will be turned away for lack of funds, energy exchanges are available. billeting is possible for out-of-town participants.
separate weekend retreats (friday july 17 - sunday, july 19 and friday, august 28 - sunday, august 30) are available if there is sufficient interest, individually or as an extension of the 5-day retreats.
location: meadowview shala, 41 meadowview ave or the unitarian congregation of guelph
donation: sliding scale $250-$100 for the full week, $150-$50 only mornings or evenings.
please register in advance: 519.824.9148 ~ melinabondy@yahoo.ca
hillside 2009
saturday, july 25 and sunday, july 26 at 11am
i will be offering a workshop at hillside entitled "touching the earth" at the healing tent this summer.
i am so excited about this. it's hard to explain the simple beauty of these pratices. you just have to come and do them!
when a small boy asked zen master thich nhat hanh (thay) why he meditates, thay replied, “because i enjoy it.” take some time out of the festival to slow down and enjoy, with thay’s modern prostration practice - touching the earth. through simple, guided movements and meditation, we empty ourselves of resentments and pain, and fill ourselves with joy. this workshop is welcoming to people of all physical abilities, all faiths and everyone interested in thich nhat hanh’s teachings. we will close with a casual tea ceremony. please bring a mug.
in-city retreat - get away without leaving home
monday, august 24 - friday, august 28
schedule:
mornings, monday to friday
6:45am - meditation, chanting and a reading
7:45am - hatha yoga practice
9:00am - optional journaling and reflection, head out to work or home
evenings, monday to thursday
7:00pm – hatha yoga practice
8:15pm – meditation, chanting and a reading
9:00pm – optional journaling and reflection, head home
the split of morning and evening sessions are designed to allow you
to work in the daytime, come only in the mornings or evenings if you have other
responsibilities, or select certain days when you can come to a yoga class or would like to join in meditation. i am committed to
find a way to make this work for everyone.
billeting is possible for out-of-town participants.
location: 122 harris st, at the unitarian congregation of guelph
all are welcome to participate. this whole retreat is offered by donation. don't let financial strains get in the way of your practice! ~ suggested donation is $200 for the full week, $100 only mornings or evenings. no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
please register in advance: 519.824.9148 ~ melinabondy@yahoo.ca
