What we’re about
We're about deepening connection and uncovering ourselves in relation to others. We offer our events in English with a few French events. (Les événements sont généralement en anglais. Nous offrons occasionnellement des événements en français.)
We host games nights and circling events. During games night we have inter-relational games where we are challenged to bring forward something deeper in ourselves to our interaction with others. The goal is to be more present, more authentic, to discover other people, and to discover ourselves. We create a safe container at our events where honoring each other and ourselves is the top priority. After that we encourage everyone to play full out and lean in to their edge.
Circling, our other main meeting type, is a deeper practice of discovering someone's world with curiosity and acceptance and possibly help them uncover relational blindspots. In Circling, we gather in small groups with one or two facilitators each and be incredibly present and in the moment with each other. We reveal the unsaid currents present in the room, we share impact, and we hold space for each other to be as we are.
"The concept of exertion, one of the six paramitas— or instructions on wholesome behavior— means going beyond resistance or complacency to find something more expansive and wonderful on the other side." -- Charlotte Kasl, "If the Buddha Married"
Events are donation based. Donations cover rental fees, meetup fees, and other expenses in service of the community. You can donate by clicking here, or by sending an etransfer to donate@authenticmontreal.ca.
Français
Les objectifs du groupe sont d’approfondir la connexion et se révéler en relation avec les autres. Nous organisons des soirées de jeux durant lesquelles nous nous mettons au défi de dévoiler plus de profondeur dans nos interactions avec les autres. L’objectif est d’être plus présent, authentique, de se découvrir soi-même et de découvrir les autres. Nous créons un espace sécuritaire où se respecter pleinement soi-même et les autres est une priorité. Nous encourageons chacun à s’engager pleinement et à élargir sa zone de confort.
Le “circling”, notre seconde activité, est une pratique qui vise à découvrir l’univers d’une personne avec curiosité et bienveillance et possiblement révéler des espaces intérieurs, thèmes ou dynamiques relationnelles qui sont importantes mais qui ne sont pas conscientes. Nous formons de petits groupes guidés par un ou deux facilitateurs et encourageons une présence entière, ancrée dans le moment présent. Nous révélons les non-dits (émotions, pensées...), partageons l’impact des interactions, dans un espace sécuritaire dans lequel chacun peut être reçu tel qu’il est.
Les événements sont à contribution volontaire. Les dons servent à payer le logement, les frais administratifs de meetup, ainsi que d'autres dépenses au service de la communauté. Vous pouvez faire votre contribution en cliquant ici, ou en faisant un transfert interac à donate@authenticmontreal.ca.
Resources
Authentic Montreal - blog and information about Authentic Relating and Circling.
Circling and Authentic Relating Practice Guide - free book on circling and AR.
NVC Communicator - an online tool for nonviolent communication.
People and Related Organizations
Authentic Relating Go - Donation Based Online Authentic Relating Platform.
Jason Zwolak - co-founder of Authentic Montreal, AR facilitator, and coach.
Upcoming events
6
- CA$15.00
Circling
Boul St. Laurent and Rue Mt. Royal, Montreal, QC, CACome learn and practice circling! We'll first introduce the skills of circling - listening, noticing, inquiring, sharing, meditating, etc. - and then, do some form of circling. We may have one large circle, multiple circles, hot seat, or something else.
Circling is a relational meditation where we practice being present with one another in the moment. We focus on what it is like to be here with each other, get curious about each other, and share vulnerably while honoring our limits and boundaries. The purpose is to more fully get another person's world; that is, to more fully understand what it is like to be him or her. Also, you may have the experience of your world being gotten and, in having this experience, you may more fully understand your self!
Read more at http://authenticmontreal.ca/?s=what+is+circling
You must have attended at least three Authentic Montreal Games Nights before coming to this event. We have limited spots in this event and Games Night has some similar practices which will introduce you to this work so that you may get a feel for if you like the work and want to go deeper. We want participants who already know they want to go deeper and have some experience with the work; this is why require attending three Games Nights, first.
We'll send the address the day before the event via Meetup message. For planning purposes, the event is near the corner of St. Laurent Blvd and Rue Mt. Royal.
We'll start promptly at 7pm. You will not be able to enter after we start, so please arrive early. Doors open at 6:45pm.
The price for this event is $15.00.
* Places are limited (usually 12 participants). To register, please RSVP and add yourself to the waitlist. The event is always marked as full (a technicality), so you can ignore that. We will contact you to confirm that there is space and then you can send an e-transfer of $15.00 to AuthenticMontrealCircling@outlook.com. Your place will be reserved once we receive a payment.
10 attendees 
Authentic Relating Games
Fragments Libres, École de Qi Gong, 141 Avenue du Mont-Royal E, Montréal, QC, CA**Please make sure to be on time. Doors open at 18:45 and the event starts promptly at 19:00. It is not possible to join after 19:00.**
(Pour français, voir ci-dessous)
What?
We propose a series of activities to practice communicating authentically with one another in a space of respect and safety. We have created relational games where you can find and explore the edge between "playing it safe" and showing up fully. The goal is to dissolve old patterns of behavior that don't serve us, to connect more authentically, and to release ourselves from fear while honoring our self. Practice vulnerability, honesty, and listening. Explore new ways of interacting and being with other people.
Which language?
This event will be facilitated in english. You can express yourself in the language of your choice.
When?
Doors open at 6:45pm and we start promptly at 7pm. We have a set of agreements to set a safe container for the evening and will close the door just before those agreements. If you arrive after we close the door we ask that you come back another evening and be present for the agreements.
What does it cost?
We welcome donations from a place of gratitude and giving. The donations cover room rental, meetup fees, and other expenses in service to the community. We don't want anyone to be blocked from attending because of the cost, so please come and offer whatever you can. You can donate by sending an etransfer to donate@authenticmontreal.ca
Attendance:
Please do not RSVP "yes" unless you are committed to attending the event. If you’re on the waitlist or want to practice your authentic relating skills more often this season, check out our affiliate community, Authentic Relating Go, for online donation-based events. http://www.ar-go.livePLEASE NOTE: No shoes, food, alcohol or drugs on-site. Please remember to mute your cell phone.
Français:
*Veuillez vous assurer d'être à l'heure. Les portes ouvrent à 18h45 et l'événement commence à 19h00 précises. Il n'est pas possible de rejoindre l'événement après 19h00.*
Qu'est-ce que cet Événement?
Venez pratiquer la vulnérabilité, l’honnêteté et l’écoute. Explorer de nouvelles façons d’interagir et d’être avec d’autres personnes.
Durant nos Soirées de Jeux, vous aurez l’occasion de vous placer en état d'ouverture et de vulnérabilité dans un contexte social et un environnement sécuritaire. Nous créons des jeux relationnels où vous pouvez trouver et explorer votre zone de confort entre s’exprimer avec prudence et se révéler pleinement. Le but est de dissoudre les vieux schémas de comportement qui ne nous servent plus, d’entrer en connexion de manière plus authentique et de se libérer de la peur tout en se respectant soi-même.
Dans quelle langue?
Cet événement sera facilité principalement en anglais, mais vous pouvez vous y exprimer dans la langue de votre choix.
Quand?
Les portes ouvrent à 18h45 et nous commençons à 19h00 précises. Nous prenons une série d’accords qui établissent un cadre sécuritaire pour la soirée et nous verrouillons la porte juste avant d’énoncer ces accords. Si vous arrivez après la fermeture des portes, nous vous prions de revenir une autre fois et d'arriver à temps pour les accords.
Combien ça coute?
Une contribution volontaire est suggérée afin de couvrir les frais de loyer, du site Meetup, ainsi que d'autres frais au service de la communauté. Nous accueillons les contributions qui proviennent d’un élan de gratitude et d’encouragement. Et nous souhaitons que personne ne s’empêche de participer à cause du coût, alors venez et offrez ce qui vous convient. Vous pouvez faire votre contribution en faisant un transfert interac à donate@authenticmontreal.ca
Présence:
Répondez ''OUI'' seulement si vous vous engagez à être présent. Si vous êtes sur la liste d'attente ou souhaitez plus souvent pratiquer et développer vos habilités relationnelles, n'hésitez pas à visiter notre communauté affiliée Authentic Relating Go, qui offrent des événements en ligne sur contribution volontaire. http://www.ar-go.live
À NOTER: chaussures, nourriture, alcool et drogues ne sont pas permis sur les lieux de l'événement. Merci de mettre vos téléphones en mode silencieux. Ni
2 attendees
Introduction to Authentic Connection Circles - 5 Week Workshop
Location not specified yet# Introduction to Authentic Connection Circles – 5-Week Workshop
Discover the art of presence, connection, and authentic relating in Authentic Connection Circles (also known as Circling).
Facilitated by Crystal Lyons (MSW) and Lorna Doucet (PhD), this intimate 5-session workshop offers a safe and supportive space to practice Authentic Connections in a small group setting. Together, we’ll learn how to create deeper, more meaningful connections—both within the circle and in everyday life.***
### What is an Authentic Connection Circle?
An Authentic Connection Circle (also known as ‘Circling’) is a space for practicing relational meditation—a group conversation where participants bring attention to the present moment, their own experience, and the subtle dynamics between people. Rather than talking about life, we explore what it’s like to be in life together, here and now. The practice emphasizes curiosity, presence, and honesty, helping us to “get each other’s world” in a way that opens doors to authentic connection.
***
### What You’ll Explore
Across five weeks, you’ll gradually build your skills and confidence in::
- Authentic Connection Circle skills: inquiry, deep listening, naming what you notice, sharing your impact, and offering reflections.
- Moving beyond surface-level conversations into richer, more meaningful exchanges.
- Cultivating presence, curiosity, and compassion.
- Building relational trust and clarifying boundaries.
- Exploring how vulnerability and honesty can transform connection.
- Working with moments of tension or misunderstanding as opportunities for growth.
***
### Workshop Details
- DATES: October 20 - November 17
- TIME: 7:00 – 9:30 PM
- LOCATION: Plateau / Mile End
- FACILITATORS: Crystal Lyons (MSW) & Lorna Doucet (PhD)
- GROUP SIZE: Maximum 5 participants for an intimate, personalized experience
- COST: Sliding scale $100–$250 for the full 5-session series (regular price $250). Paid in advance to reserve your spot.
***
### Registration
- Add your name to the waitlist and complete the Google Form: https://forms.gle/e4SudZrLyToFodCa8
(you’ll be asked for your phone number and availability for a short discovery call). - After the call, submit payment to secure your spot.
Space is limited—early registration is encouraged.
***
### Is This Workshop for You?
This workshop is designed for people who want to:
- Build deeper, more authentic connections.
- Improve communication and relational awareness.
- Navigate challenging conversations with more ease.
- Cultivate empathy, presence, and emotional intelligence.
- Explore Authentic Connection Circles with little to no prior experience.
Please note:
This workshop is not a fit if you already have extensive Authentic Connection Circles (Circling) experience, are unable to commit to all 5 sessions, or if your primary interest is simply to meet new people rather than practice relational depth.
2 attendees
Past events
470
