Mindfulness Challenge

Around two dozen people gathered in Oakville today to take part in the Mindfulness Challenge.

The four-hour meditate-a-thon raised money for The Centre for Mindfulness Studies in Toronto.

The  mental health charity provides programs for people who face economic and social barriers.

More than 300 individuals took part in the Mindfulness Challenge across Toronto, Oakville, London, Oshawa and Kitchener.

The main event was held in Toronto and streamed to the other locations.

The benefits of today’s meditate-a-thon went beyond raising money for a good cause.

“Meditation has shown to be beneficial in the treatment and management of mental health issues, anxiety and depression,” said Dr. Alison Kellford of the The Centre for Mindfulness Studies. “It’s also been helpful in building resilience. It’s been used in stress reduction.”

Around $134,000 was raised at this year’s event.