The Story Behind the Mindfulness Circle Project

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.

Recently, I felt an inner calling to host similar gatherings on this land far from my roots. I decided yet again to step out of my comfort zone and follow this calling. When I posted this idea online, the response was overwhelmingly positive. I realised that many people, like me, long for a safe place where they feel a sense of belonging, love, and acceptance. That's how the Mindfulness Circle Project was born. The first mindfulness circle was run on Friday, June 7th, in Gold Coast, Australia. Yes, it sounds daunting! Yet, through practicing Vipassana, radical acceptance and letting go, I have learned to take refuge in Dhamma, 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.

This mindfulness circle is run by donations with all contributions going directly toward covering the circle's expenses and future circle activities (I'm trying to make it as transparent as possible). That said, the practice of “dana” (giving) 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.

The circle will be held weekly in the heart of Coolangatta, at the Clear Skies Project Studio. From the moment I walked through the studio door, I felt an immediate sense of belonging. It felt so right that I found myself whispering, "This is it. This is where the circle belongs."

So if you're in or near Coolangatta, you're very welcome to join. I look forward to connecting with you.

With love and gratitude,

Thuy

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A little bit about me

I’m currently pursuing my Master of Social Work degree. I have a great passion for holistic living, mental health and community development
I’m the co-founder of a non-profit project that is dedicated to empowering the Vietnamese to live their best life through a variety of holistic health resources
I used to facilitate offline/ online sharing circles and Reiki healing events back home in Vietnam
I'm a Vipassana student who is following the teachings of the Buddha. My experience as a Dhamma server has led me to believe that the best way for me to live my life is to be of service to others. Creating the Mindfulness Circle Project is a way for me to practice "dana". "Dana" (giving) is an Buddhist practice. It is about "generosity, openness, and our capacity to embrace others with compassion and love". You can learn more about "dana" here - https://thichnhathanhfoundatio...
I'm trained in mindfulness-based therapies (MiCBT, MBSR), trauma informed care (TIC), life coaching, Reiki Healing, EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques).