A Taste of Ongo—Everyday Nonviolence June 2025

There is a window—a moment of compassion, wisdom, and care—through which we can truly see the tapestry of our everyday lives. In acknowledging the complexities we face, both personally and globally, and the need for celebration and gratitude, I extend an invitation to join me on a transformative journey.

Program Overview: Please join me for three insightful sessions in June 2025 based on chapters 1, 2, and 3 of the book, Ongo: Everyday Nonviolence written by Catherine Cadden and Jesse Wiens Chu. This three week program aims to reconnect and re-energize those familiar with Ongo, serving as a review of key practices. Simultaneously, it opens its arms to newcomers, offering a taste of the supportive Ongo community. From this gathering, a group may organically form, choosing to embark on the full 12-week journey (totally optional!).

What to Expect: Let's traverse the courageous path of compassion, peace, and wisdom in our everyday lives, cultivating a lightness of being that ripples out into the world. Join me in practicing ways to:

• Connect with others, even amidst stimulation
• Listen and speak with kindness for oneself and others
• Identify and live by your core values
• Embrace mindful presence, especially in challenging times
• Navigate challenges, resolving emotional and rational conflicts
• Make wonderful, lasting friendships

Ongo Book Requirement: To participate, it's essential to have a copy of the Ongo book written by Catherine Cadden and Jesse Wiens. If you're in Australia, contact kate@kateraffin.com for purchase. For international participants, click here or buy an ebook here. 

Ongoing Practices: “Ongo” is short for “ongoing.” In the spirit of continuous growth, these sessions are designed to support one another in integrating peace, compassion, and wisdom into our daily lives.

Let's embark on this journey of self-discovery and connection. Together, we can bring forth compassion, peace, and wisdom into our lives, creating ripples of positive change.

Dates and time

Session 1: Monday 2nd June + one buddy practice
Session 2: Monday 9th June + one buddy practice
Session 3: Monday 16th June + one buddy practice

Time: Group sessions are from 7:00 PM - 8:30PM AEDT (Sydney, Australia). The weekly buddy practice is held at a time that suits you and your buddy/ies. You may have one or two buddies in a group depending upon the configuration of timezones/availability.

The request is that, to participate in this program, you commit to joining all three group zoom sessions (with your camera on) and all three buddy practices. 

Location
We will be using the online platform, Zoom, for the weekly guided group sessions. You will also 'buddy' up with a partner, or two, once a week, online or over the phone, to do a guided practice (from the Ongo book) that can take approximately 30-60 minutes. There are also solo practices to do most days - sometimes as simple as reading a quote and reflecting upon it to doing a journal exercise that might take 30 minutes.  

Financial Considerations: This program operates on a sliding scale. 75% of profits support the ongoing work of the authors, Catherine Cadden and Jesse Wiens. Your contribution is valued, and we recommend an amount of A$45-90 for the three sessions. However, you are welcome to join us for free. Please offer what you can, keeping in mind your economic situation and what brings you joy. Your presence is the most important.

This program requires a minimum number of participants to go ahead. Please feel free to invite family and friends who you think may be interested. 

If you have any questions please email me

Much love, many blessings, 

Wendy

Wendy: wendy@wendyhaynes.com + 61 422507517 www.wendyhaynes.com