Secular Sangha: A Rational Meditation Practice and Psychology Discussion Group

Day and Time: Every Sunday 10am-12pm

Location: 124 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Tip: Free all day parking at Twin Towns Resort on Griffith Street)

Cost: FREE (Optional donations toward room rental and facilitator's time gratefully accepted)

When: Weekly | Drop in anytime

Optimize Your Mind. Skip the Mysticism.

Are you interested in mindfulness, neuroscience, and psychology, but skeptical of the supernatural or religious claims often attached to them?

Welcome to a different kind of mindfulness circle. This is a strictly secular, evidence-based space designed for thinkers, skeptics, and anyone looking for practical, science-backed tools to increase personal happiness and create a positive ripple effect in our community.

🌱 Be a Founding Member: Help Us Shape This Space
Because this is a brand-new group, our first few sessions will be uniquely casual, intimate, and collaborative. By joining us on the ground floor, you get to actively help shape the direction, choose the topics, and influence the format of this community. Whether there are two of us or twenty, every voice matters. Come be a part of building something meaningful right from day one!

🚫 No Sermons. No Gurus. No Judgment.
This is not a lecture where you sit and listen to someone preach from a pedestal. Our weekly sessions are split evenly between grounded, guided meditation and interactive group discussion.
Think of it as a collaborative psychology hub meets a modern, zero-pressure book club. We explore practical behavioral science, happiness research, and sometimes discuss insights from popular psychology books like The Happiness Trap or Authentic Happiness (reading is 100% voluntary—just show up for the chat!).

What to Bring (And What Not to Worry About)

You don't need to bring a single thing to attend, but you are completely welcome to customize your comfort:

Seating: Comfortable chairs are provided. However, if you prefer to lie down during the guided meditation, feel free to bring a yoga mat, cushion, or pillow.

Notes: If you love to capture ideas, bring a pen and notebook. (If you prefer to just sit back and listen, that is 100% fine too—that’s actually how the facilitator prefers it!).

Vibe: Want to help us liven up the room? You are always welcome to bring flowers or small decorations to make the space feel even more inviting.

Hydration: Water is always good. :)

What’s in it for you?

Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned meditator, you can drop in any week. Our interactive discussions rotate through a practical, 8-week psychological framework:

Brain Training: The neuroscience behind focus and mindfulness.

Stress De-escalation: Evidence-based tools to manage anxiety and difficult thoughts.

The Science of Happiness: Practical ways to build resilience and compassion (for both self and other).

Actionable Ethics: How living by your values improves your life and the lives of those around you.

Better Relationships: Mindful communication tactics that actually work in the real world.

Meet Your Facilitator

Jeremy West has been mediating since 2009 and teaches Mindfulness 101 at Ace Community College. He has degrees in Psychology and Communications. Jeremy’s style is completely down-to-earth, rational, and focused entirely on real-world application. He doesn't lecture—he guides the conversation.

FAQ & Peace of Mind

Do I need experience? None at all.

Do I have to speak? Only if you want to. You are entirely welcome to just sit back, listen, and take it in.

Is there a commitment? No. It is an open, ongoing group. Come when you can.

Grab a friend, bring an open mind, and join us for rational conversation, mental clarity, and great community.