Our story
Where it all began
I still vividly remember the day I ran my first year-end gathering at La Luna back in 2020. I was so nervous, with fear and self-doubt constantly creeping into my mind. However, thanks to the support of my loved ones, the gathering went better than I could have ever imagined. It turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life, and I’m grateful that I stepped out of my comfort zone to do it. I learned so much from that gathering and the ones that followed. Starting La Luna has led me to believe that one of my purposes in life is to hold space for others.
Since moving to Australia a couple of years ago, I had been always longing for a circle of like-minded souls or some sort of community where I feel accepted, connected and belonged. I have attended several group circles here however, non quite resonated with me. Recently, I felt an inner calling to create the kind of space I have been envisioning on this land far from my roots. My intention is to create a loving, nurturing, non-judgemental space for people to come together in a spirit of openness, acceptance and wonder to meditate, practice mindfulness, share their stories, connect with others and find a little bit of peace and comfort in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life.
My journey of self-exploration has made me realize how attached I used to be to my identity, circumstances, material possessions, my ideas of how to live and my fears about financial security and the future. These attachments have sometimes hindered my journey towards emotional freedom, inner peace and happiness. Giving back to the community is not only my way of expressing gratitude for the gift of life but also allows me to practice letting go and non-attachment. Through practicing radical acceptance and letting go, I have learned to take refuge in the Earth, in the Sun, in the Universe, in the impermanence of life, and most importantly, in myself. I trust that everything is unfolding as it should and that those who come along are the ones I am meant to meet in this lifetime.
With love and gratitude,
Thuy
Core values
As a community-based project, The Mindfulness Circle aspires to be an inclusive community that embodies four core values: mindfulness, compassion, gratitude, and community.
- Mindfulness: As the name suggests, mindfulness is a key element integrated into each step we take and throughout our circle’s journey. We strive to spread mindfulness in the community and hope to make it more accessible and relatable while keeping it real and meaningful. We envision our circle as a mindfulness hub where people come together to practice mindfulness and learn how to incorporate it into their daily lives.
- Compassion: We ensure that whatever we do comes from a place of love and compassion. We first show compassion to ourselves through self-care, self-acceptance, and mindfulness. Then we learn to show compassion to others through acts of kindness, loving speech and mindful listening. At the end of each circle, there are always moments dedicated to practicing loving-kindness meditation.
- Gratitude: We strongly believe in the power of gratitude. More than just a happy feeling for the parts of our lives going well, gratitude for us means embracing all that makes us who we are. It may not be easy to be grateful for the pain, but we can be grateful for the cracking open that happens and the light that pours in. We appreciate the ways we’ve grown into fuller versions of ourselves and the ways we’ve shown up to sit with ourselves through the pain, even when it’s hard. Through Heart Sharing and Reflection, we are given the opportunities to be vulnerable and cultivate gratitude.
- Community: We aim to make the circle as accessible as possible to those in need, so there is absolutely no financial obligation to participate. Everyone is welcome, regardless of their financial situation, gender, age, or ethnicity. We hold the belief that many things can be done for the good of the community without financial involvement and that no one should be turned away from their community due to financial difficulties.
Our mission is not only to hold space for those present in the circle but also to touch the lives of those around us who are marginalized and vulnerable. The circle is completely free to join. We welcome and appreciate donations from individuals and organizations, as these contributions help us sustain our mission and turn our vision into reality.
That said, the practice of generosity can take many forms. We can give our time, energy, listening ear, or presence. We give through our care or our love. Making a donation is just one way to express gratitude. Leaving a handwritten note, sharing some homemade cookies, giving a hug, a smile, or paying it forward are all deeply appreciated.
Other ways to support the circle
Our circle also need some extra help to operate sustainably. Here are some suggested ways if you would like to support the continuation of the circle:
- Paying it forward
- Helping with social media/ community development
- Giving feedback and suggestions for improvement
- Spreading the words
- Living in the present moment and practicing loving-kindness
- Project collaboration/ Partnership (contact hello@thepathofmindfulness.com)