This proposal describes the process and results of the Mindfulness Meditation mentoring initiative. This was a virtual lunchtime meditation experience offered to staff and faculty at a university toward the end of the pandemic. The initiative aimed to develop a safe, sustainable, and equitable workplace, and provide attendees with opportunities to network and develop professionally. By having the opportunity to practice mindfulness in a group setting, attendees were able to interact with peers while experiencing mindfulness practices and discussing how to manage stress. The initiative aimed to help participants in their professional development, as well as their emotional well-being. Attendees were provided with a regular time for the group to meet and practice stress management techniques, making them accountable for engaging with those practices independently.

The sessions were directed by five different meditation coaches who provided attendees with a range of stress management techniques to choose from. The sessions were conducted via Zoom and were advertised as audio meditations, allowing participants to drop in on sessions of their choice. Following the meditation, coaches held discussion sessions where participants reflected on their experiences and discussed how to incorporate aspects of meditation into their daily lives. Peer mentoring was also offered, allowing participants to gather in a safe space to learn and practice effective stress management techniques, providing them with the emotional support they needed to navigate the uncertainties of returning to face-to-face workplace interactions.

Each of meditation coaches had a unique approach. Sandeep Hebbar, who has written a book on the role of mindfulness in obtaining flow at work, discussed how mindfulness practices can help in improving productivity and decrease anxiety. Mahesh Natrajan, who has been practicing yoga and meditation for over 15 years, discussed how to use Heal, an immersive multi-sensory sound meditation pod to reduce anxiety, stress, and addiction therapy, and improve overall mental health. Lori-Ann Speed, a composer-pianist and multi-modality healer, incorporated her piano compositions into her meditation sessions. Finally Rabia Piracha a Toronto based meditation coach provided both a audio meditation and a Forest-Bathing meditation for those who were able to meet in person.

Participant reflections indicated that the initiative provided attendees with a calming, relaxing state, and the opportunity to practice mindfulness in a safe space. While many found it difficult to clear their thoughts during meditation, having the piano playing allowed them to focus on the music rather than trying to minimize their thoughts. Attendees discussed how meditation could be used as a tool to resolve conflict and the emotional impact of saying positive affirmations, such as "I am bliss." Overall, the initiative helped faculty and staff learn the importance of meditation by being introduced to different meditation styles, providing them with various stress management techniques.