Mindfulness & Improv Course

Sociologists have identified two necessary ingredients for making friends organically: shared vulnerability, and continuous unplanned interaction. This course contains them both.

This 4-week program aims to provide you with tools for everyday life through mindfulness, meditation, and improv techniques. However, it is also geared very specifically towards those who are looking to make new friends in Toronto!

Those who register for this course should expect teachings and lesson plans specifically focused on fostering friendship and happiness, and should come to classes knowing they are in a space with other adults in Toronto who are looking for friendship and connection. Participants will meet once a week for 4 weeks, giving them the chance to truly connect and create the building blocks for lasting friendship.

Thursdays from 6:30-9:30pm

February 9th, February 16th, February 23rd, and March 2nd.

Each 3-hour class is $60, for a total course cost of $240. Tickets for the first class (February 9th) can be purchased here through Eventbrite, with payment for the remaining 3 classes due by February 11th.

6:30-7:30

—mindfulness and meditation techniques that you can incorporate into your own daily practice. For those who have never meditated before, have had trouble getting their own practice started, or need some encouragement. Breath work, yoga nidra and other guided exercises will aid you in discovering the feeling of the present moment, which will bring confidence into your meditation so you can know you are "Doing it Right."

7:30-8:30

—acting and improv techniques that bring you into presence when working with others. Active listening skills and learning to live truthfully in the moment can be practiced in the safety of imaginary circumstances. This is a fun way to get out of your head and learn to unlock your true self, as well as how to share it with others.

8:30-9:30

—conversation and connection! After two hours focused on learning new techniques, becoming grounded in the present moment, and opening up to the people around you, it's time for some unguided hangout time! Think of this hour as the casual "post-class drinks" where you can get to know each other in a less structured way. Conversation cards and get-to-know-you games will be provided, should your group want to use them.

"Peter has an incredible and unique way with his words. He has taught me to be mindful and present in the moment by listening, breathing, and tuning in with myself. I have learned to stop negotiating with myself so I can sit and meditate in order to be tuned in, feel balanced and see the magic of the universe unfold on a regular basis ?"

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I am Peter Aitchison. I live in Kitchener Ontario Canada with my Wife Esther whom I love dearly. I am an Artist, Actor, Voice Artist, Improviser, Teacher, Guide, Host, Sculpter, Uncle, Brewer, Web Developer, Project Manager, Chef, Entrepreneur and Maker of Things. I make a living as a freelance artist doing things that I enjoy. I am learning how to live in a world with a global marketplace where you don’t stay in one career your whole life and you don’t just do business in the town where you live. I aim to create good things and share them.

I studied Radio Broadcasting at Fanshawe College in London Ontario and graduated the day before my 20th birthday ready to take on the world. Working for Chorus Entertainment in London I found I loved being in front of the crowd at Live to Air broadcasts and eventually moved on to study at the Second City Training Centre under some of Canada’s finest improvisors and comedians. A thirst for further study took me to Playhouse North School of Theatre in Calgary where I studied the Meisner Technique in a conservatory style theatre program for two years, followed by three years of additional study in the teaching of this famous technique. During this time I was actively working as an Actor, Teacher and Director in the Calgary theatre community. As much as I enjoyed the West, I decided I needed to settle back in Ontario to be closer to my family.

Since returning I have earned the title of Prime Pubs 2012 Draught Master for simply pouring a pint of Guinness better than you. Not only can I pour the perfect pint, but I used to brew some pretty good beer at home in my mad scientist laboratory in my basement workshop. I made the best decision in my life to marry my wife Esther on August 31st 2013, and we have been happily coexisting ever since. In 2017 we moved to Kitchener Ontario into a lovely little house. That is where we are today.

Since then I have been trying and learning and living to be more present and content by putting my value in people and truth. I could not have imagined and believed this present as my future, and hope tomorrow brings similar surprises.

Mindfulness allows you to be more present and engaged in social interactions. When you are mindful, you're better able to tune out distractions and fully listen to and connect with others. This can make you more approachable, empathetic and understanding, and make it easier to form new friendships.

When you are able to observe your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them, you are better able to manage feelings of stress and anxiety.

Mindfulness has been shown to improve a variety of physical health conditions, including chronic pain, heart disease, and blood pressure.

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