Jan Klimas, R.Psych

Psychological Counselling and Mindfulness Teaching

Mindfulness Community

This community offers a space to continue or renew your mindfulness practice through Mindful Thursdays and Saturday Sits. These events are scheduled throughout the year.

Free Online Mindful Thursdays

Free Mindful Thursdays are held three times a year online. It’s an hour-long session with extensive practice and optional discussion. Free Mindful Thursdays serve as a prerequisite for the 8-week MBSR Program.

Day Date Time
Thursday Jan 15 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday Apr 2 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday Sept 3 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

To sign up for a free Mindful Thursday drop-in class, click on the “sign up” button below and complete the online form.

Sign Up

In-person Saturday mini-retreats

Enjoy three hours of practice in the spirit of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and mindful yoga. Sliding-scale rates available.

2026

Day Date Time Format
Saturday Mar 7 9:00 am – 12:00 pm In-Person
Saturday Jun 6 9:00 am – 12:00 pm In-Person
Saturday Nov 7 9:00 am – 12:00 pm In-Person

To sign up for a Saturday Sits class, click on the “sign up” button below and complete the online form.

Sign Up

* The next session will be hosted in a spacious Mount Pleasant location near VCC Clark Station and Emily Carr University (address available on successful registration for the program).

Cost: Saturday Mini-retreats

Sliding-scale rates are back on Saturday events due to popular demand.

The sliding-scale rates are $18 to $32 CAD for each Saturday morning session. Participants of Saturday Sits can choose the pricing level that is most appropriate for their situation, starting from $18 per three-hour session. If this is too much, please email me to make alternative arrangements.

Reminders

  • Please bring a yoga mat, 1-2 blankets, or a thick towel. One of the mindfulness practices will involve lying down on the floor. You will also have the option to remain on a chair for any mindfulness practice.
  • The room will open at 8:45 am and we will begin at 9:00 am sharp. Please allow enough time for your arrival and parking, if driving. See the below FAQ for parking info.
  • You can wear comfortable clothes in layers, as the room temperature may fluctuate.
  • You can prepare whatever makes you comfortable (e.g., water bottle, meditation cushion or bench, back support, etc.).
  • Another part of the class will include a gentle breath and alignment yoga session from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. You will have the option to remain for the yoga part or leave as you see fit. This is sometimes taught by an experienced Associate Instructor, subject to availability.
  • You can prepare whatever makes you comfortable (e.g., water bottle, meditation cushion or bench, back support, etc.).
  • No refunds or course transfers are available for cancellations within seven days of the course start date.
  • See the below FAQs for more helpful information.

How to Apply

Registration opens a few weeks before each session. Please make sure to pay using your preferred payment method or send an e-payment to my email address. The location address will be sent to you upon acceptance to the class.

Saturday Sits FAQ

  • When will I know if I'm enrolled in the class?

    New applications are processed on an ongoing basis. You will be notified seven to ten days before the class starts. The space is limited to 10 participants for the first two hours and only six participants for the final hour of yoga. Classes with fewer than five registrants will be cancelled and a refund provided. Please be aware of this when making arrangements to attend this session.

  • Where will the session taking place?

    Our sessions will be hosted in a spacious Mount Pleasant location near the VCC Clark Station and Emily Carr University. This is a private meeting room; the address will be shared with participants via email upon acceptance to the class.

  • How do I get there? Is there free parking?

    The venue is within walking distance from bus stops of many major bus routes such as lines 99/9 and 84 as well as the Skytrain millennium line. Time-limited, on-street parking is located throughout the neighbourhood. Give yourself plenty of time to find parking before the class starts.

  • Are any refreshments provided?

    No refreshments will be served during the session, but you're welcome to bring your own snack or a water bottle. There is a water tap available in the classroom. There is also a coffee shop within walking distance from the venue, and you are welcome to visit it before or after the session. There will be a short break around 11:00 am, but participants are encouraged to take their own breaks between practices, as needed.

  • What about accessibility?

    The space is accessible by wheelchair through a ramp located at the foot of the Fraser Street. There are no steps to the actual classroom. There is one gender neutral washroom. The mindful movement practice is optional, and instructions on adjustments will be provided.

  • What if I'm late?

    Feel free to step into the room, find a free chair/spot, and join the group in practice. We will start at 9:00 am sharp, but no one will be turned away for being late. We will keep the door slightly open for a short while after the class starts.

  • Do you allow pets?

    No, sorry. Pets are not allowed (except for service animals). If you need to bring a trained service animal required because of a disability, we kindly ask that you email us as soon as possible. Your service dog must always remain under your control, and must be harnessed, held on a leash, or tethered while in class.

  • Can I park my bike inside the classroom if it's raining?

    Space is limited, but there is an outdoor bike rack available right next to the venue.

  • Do I need to have any mindfulness or yoga training to participate in this class?

    While it's helpful to have some previous experience in mindfulness, yoga, or both, it is not required. The yoga we do will be a series of gentle all-level stretches. However, we will practice over an extended period of time, and this might not be the best starting point for people experiencing any kind of psychosocial challenges. Everyone is encouraged to have a look at and stay within their window of tolerance. If you have any concerns or questions about this, feel free to email me directly at info@janklimas.com.

  • Do I have to do yoga?

    Yoga practice is optional, just like any other practice. There aren't any yoga props available in the space. We recommend bringing a yoga mat and 1-2 blankets, if possible. Feel free to bring your own props if you like, including cushions, belts, or chip foam blocks.

  • Who will be teaching the (optional) light mindful yoga practice?

    The optional mindful yoga practice will be taught by an experienced associate instructor, subject to availability.

“Peace is this moment without judgment.”

—Dorothy Hunt