Call to Presence | Empty Space

Empty Space

There is space between us and other people.
Space between breaths, between thoughts, between bodily sensations.
And space after someone finishes speaking, before we respond.

This evening is an invitation to notice that space.

Call to Presence is an evening of meditation, deep listening, honest conversation and community. Together with my friend (kalyāna-mitta), Sanathavihari Bhikkhu, we’ll explore what becomes possible when we slow down, listen deeply, and make room for what is already here.

💫 Here’s what the evening will look like

1) Arrive & settle in

Tea will be served as you arrive, giving you a moment to slow down and settle into the room.

2) Become present

We’ll begin with a guided meditation to arrive in our bodies, quieten some of the noise, and bring our attention to the present moment.

3) Meet another person

You’ll be paired with someone for a guided 1:1 conversation. An opportunity to move beyond the usual ways we get to know one another, and to practise being fully present with another person.

4) Deep listening circle

We’ll come together around a shared prompt and practise being fully present with one another — without judgment, advice, or the need to fix or solve. There will be space to speak freely, to listen, and to notice what arises when we allow each other to simply be heard.

We’ll then have an opportunity to share what resonated, inspired you, this will be a way of honouring what we received from one another.

6) Leave with something

We’ll close by returning to ourselves and to one another, gathering the wisdom and warmth of the evening before we part.

And perhaps, a little more aware of the spaces we usually rush to fill.

Event styled by theshahstudio_

With metta, 

Gianna

instagram: @giannadianthee

website: giannadianthee.com

Who are the Facilitators?

Gianna is a Sri Lankan Australian meditation teacher, shaped by her upbringing within the Theravada Buddhist tradition and a childhood nourished by mindfulness practices. She is currently completing a Master of Clinical Psychology. Since 2015, she has created spaces for young people and communities to lean into vulnerability, cultivate self-awareness, and feel a sense of belonging. Her work weaves together Eastern philosophy and psychology, inviting people to slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with their own wisdom.

Sanathavihari Bhikkhu is a Mexican American Theravada Buddhist monastic from Los Angeles California. He is a graduate from the Upaya Zen Center Chaplaincy program, has a Master degree in Counseling Psychology and has just completed a Master's of Buddhist Counseling degree at University of Kelaniya (PGIPBS) Bhante has been working with the South and Southeast Asian Buddhist communities for over 11 years. And has been sharing the Dhamma in Latinamerica and Spain for the last 8 years.

Terms & Conditions – Call to Presence

By purchasing a ticket and attending Call to Presence, you agree to the following Terms & Conditions.

1. Event Participation

Call to Presence is a guided wellbeing experience that includes meditation, journaling, contemplative reflection. Participation in all activities is entirely voluntary. We encourage you to engage in a way that feels comfortable and to honour your own physical and emotional needs throughout the experience.

2. Health & Wellbeing

This event is designed to support general wellbeing. It is not a substitute for psychological, psychiatric, or medical care, and should not be considered therapeutic treatment.

If you have any medical conditions, injuries, are pregnant, or have concerns about participating in meditation practices, we encourage you to seek appropriate medical advice before attending.

By attending, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own wellbeing and for deciding whether the activities are suitable for you. You are welcome to take a break or step out at any time if needed.

3. Creating a Respectful Space

Call to Presence is intended to be a welcoming and supportive space where everyone feels safe to rest, reflect, and connect.

We ask all attendees to treat one another with kindness and respect. If personal experiences are shared during the event, we ask that they remain confidential unless permission has been given to share them elsewhere.

To help maintain a positive experience for everyone, the organiser reserves the right to ask a participant to leave if their behaviour is unsafe, disruptive, or disrespectful to others.

4. Tickets, Cancellations & Transfers

Tickets are valid only for the advertised event date, time, and location.

As places are limited, tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or rescheduled by the organiser.

If you are unable to attend, please contact the organiser to discuss transferring your ticket to another person. Any transfer is subject to approval.

Tickets must not be resold for commercial purposes or at a price higher than the original purchase price.

5. Event Changes

While we aim to deliver the event as advertised, the organiser reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the schedule, facilitators, venue, or inclusions if required. Should any significant changes occur, ticket holders will be notified as soon as reasonably possible.

6. Photography

Photographs or short video clips may be taken during the event for future promotional and community purposes.

We will always aim to respect attendees' privacy. If you would prefer not to appear in any photographs or recordings, please let the organiser know before the event begins.

7. Allergies and Dietary Considerations

Tea and light refreshments may be provided during the event.

While care is taken when selecting food and beverages, we cannot guarantee that refreshments are free from allergens. If you have allergies or dietary requirements, please take any precautions necessary for your own safety.

8. Personal Belongings

Please take care of your personal belongings throughout the event. The organiser cannot accept responsibility for any items that are lost, stolen, or damaged.

9. Responsibility

By attending Call to Presence, you acknowledge that you are choosing to participate voluntarily and are responsible for your own wellbeing throughout the event. While every effort will be made to provide a safe and supportive experience, the organiser is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage arising from participation, except where liability cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer Law.