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UID:947d62b62091c97f6d625ac61ce94cb5@mindfulnessoutdoors.org
SUMMARY:Introduction to Mindful Skating: Au Bord du Lac Tranquille with Dr.
  Moire Stevenson
DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, February 16\, 2027 · 7:00–9:00 PM · Esplanade Tra
 nquille skating rink\, Quartier des Spectacles$40 · Skate rental available
  on site (not included)\nSkating looks easy until you're standing on the ic
 e\, holding your breath and hoping not to fall. If that feeling has kept yo
 u off the rink\, this evening is for you. Whether you've never skated or ju
 st want to feel more at ease on the ice\, you'll build your skills step by 
 step in a small\, supportive group\, at your own pace and with no pressure 
 to perform.\nAlong the way\, you'll learn to use the glide and rhythm of sk
 ating as a simple form of meditation\, meet like-minded people\, and have s
 ome fun under the lights of the Quartier des Spectacles.\nWhat you'll do \
 nWe'll begin with a short grounding exercise to help you arrive\, notice yo
 ur breath\, and settle any nerves before stepping onto the ice. From there\
 , we'll build up gradually: finding your balance\, taking your first glides
 \, and learning to slow down and stop with confidence. If you do lose your 
 footing\, we'll show you an easy way to get back up.\nThroughout the evenin
 g\, we'll pause for simple practices you can use while skating\, such as br
 eathing exercises to ease tension\, and noticing the feel of the ice beneat
 h your blades and the cold air on your face. When something feels wobbly or
  uncertain\, that becomes part of the practice too: noticing what your mind
  says\, letting it go\, and trying again.\nWe'll finish by skating through 
 Au bord du lac Tranquille\, the rink's interactive light show\, where proje
 cted whales\, narwhals\, and schools of fish respond to your every move. It
 's a playful way to practise staying present\, and a lovely way to end the 
 evening. (See what to expect)\nWhy it works for beginners\n\nYou don't need
  any experience. We start with the basics\, focusing on balance and control
  so you feel steady on your skates.\nThe group is small\, so Moire can help
  each person individually.\nYou set the pace. The difficulty builds gradual
 ly\, and no one gets left behind.\nYou don't need your own gear. Skates and
  helmets can be rented on site.\nThe rink is refrigerated\, so the ice is s
 mooth and well maintained.\n\n\n"Before this\, I had tried skating alone or
  with friends at least four times\, and each experience left me stressed\, 
 tense\, and frustrated with myself… For the first time\, I didn't feel pr
 essured to perform\, skate fast\, or become an expert in an hour. I left th
 e session feeling more confident and independent\, and now I'm genuinely lo
 oking forward to my next time on the ice."— B.B.\, participant in last wi
 nter's mindful skating event\n\nMore than a skating lesson\nThis isn't just
  about technique. Your guide is a licensed clinical psychologist who uses n
 ature-based approaches in her work\, and her background shapes the whole ev
 ening: patience\, attention to how people are feeling\, and no pressure to 
 perform. While this isn't a therapy session\, you'll be learning from someo
 ne trained to help people work through fear and discomfort.\nMeet your guid
 e: Dr. Moire Stevenson\nDr. Moire Stevenson\, PhD\, is a licensed clinical 
 psychologist and the founder of Mindfulness Outdoors. She holds a PhD in Cl
 inical Psychology from the Université de Montréal and an honours degree i
 n Biology and Biochemistry from Dalhousie University\, and her work brings 
 clinical science together with nature-based practice. Alongside leading Min
 dfulness Outdoors\, she works as a pediatric psychologist at the Montreal C
 hildren's Hospital.\nMoire believes that mindful time outdoors is one of th
 e best settings for working through difficult situations and understanding 
 ourselves better. On the ice\, she creates a warm\, grounded space where yo
 u can learn at your own pace.\nRead Moire's full bio →\nWhat you may take
  away\nYou'll leave with the basics you need to skate on your own\, and a f
 ew simple ways to use breath and movement to calm your nerves and settle yo
 ur attention. Research suggests that time spent moving outdoors can lift mo
 od and ease stress\, and that practising mindfulness may add to those benef
 its. This is a chance to see how it feels for you.\n\n"I most enjoyed the s
 upport and encouragement\, the breathing exercise that helped with my stres
 s\, the gradual skating difficulty\, as well as being present in the moment
 ."— E.W.\, participant in last winter's mindful skating event\n\nCurious 
 about the research? Read why spending time in nature is good for your wellb
 eing on Moire's blog.\nWho it's for \nThis evening is for skaters of all l
 evels\, including complete beginners. If you've never skated\, we'll teach 
 you and support you every step (and glide!) of the way. It's also a good fi
 t if you've felt nervous or frustrated on the ice before. If you already sk
 ate comfortably\, you're welcome to join too\, just know that we'll move at
  a relaxed pace.\nAdults of all ages are welcome. If you have questions abo
 ut balance\, mobility\, or whether this event is right for you\, email us a
 t contact@mindfulnessoutdoors.org and we'll be happy to talk it through.\nB
 efore you come \n\nRenting skates? Skates\, helmets\, and locks can be ren
 ted at the Patin Patin counter inside the Esplanade Tranquille Pavilion (sk
 ates were $14.95 last season). Rentals last up to 2 hours\, so please pick 
 yours up shortly before 6:45 PM\, then meet us [at the pavilion entrance. R
 ental information\nHelmets: We recommend wearing one\, especially if you're
  new to skating.\nWhat to wear: Dress in warm layers\, and bring mittens (t
 hey're warmer than gloves) and a hat. We'll be moving slowly and pausing of
 ten\, so you'll cool down faster than you might expect. For more tips\, see
  Moire's guide to staying warm and mindful outdoors in winter.\nLockers and
  changing rooms are available in the pavilion\, which also has a café if y
 ou'd like a warm drink afterwards.\nGetting there: The rink is at 1442 Rue 
 Clark\, near Place-des-Arts metro. (Map)\nLanguage: The event is bilingual 
 (English and French). / L'activité se déroule en français et en anglais.
 \nRunning late? Look for our group on the ice\, or call or text 514-619-454
 2.\nWeather: The rink may close in case of heavy precipitation. If that hap
 pens\, the event will be rescheduled.\nParticipation is at your own risk.\n
 Refunds and cancellations: Email contact@mindfulnessoutdoors.org\nRink deta
 ils and current conditions: Esplanade Tranquille\n\nIf the ticket price fee
 ls out of reach\, email us at contact@mindfulnessoutdoors.org and we'll be 
 happy to explore options.\nIf you've always wanted to feel at ease on the i
 ce\, this is a gentle place to start. We'd love to see you there.
LOCATION:Esplanade Tranquil (Quartier des Spectacles)
DTSTAMP:20260928T234432Z
DTSTART:20270217T000000Z
DTEND:20270217T020000Z
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