On October 18, the Spiritual Care Team of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto launched its first youth-focused workshop titled “Heart-to-Heart: Emotional Awareness and Mindfulness.” Nearly ten young participants joined an inner journey of self-discovery guided by Christine,a registered psychotherapist, and Belinda, a student in the Master of Arts in Buddhist Spiritual Care (MABSC) program at the University of the West. Venerable Ru Zhong, Superintendent of FGS Toronto, shared insights on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, encouraging youth to meet emotional challenges with openness, compassion, and the wisdom to transform their thoughts.

This inaugural session marks the beginning of a monthly series dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for young people to explore their emotions, share personal challenges, and strengthen mental resilience. The initiative integrates theprinciples of Humanistic Buddhism intoholistic well-being, emphasizing awareness, empathy, and collective growth.

The session opened with a reflective question— “Which emotion affected you the most this week?” — inviting participants to reconnect with their inner state.Through open discussion on work-related stress and interpersonal relationships, an atmosphere of authenticity and mutual understanding emerged. Christine offered a neuroscience-based explanation of emotional fluctuation and introduced Cognitive Defusion from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), guiding participants to observe their thoughts with greater flexibility and clarity.

Senior instructor and registered psychotherapist Stephanie Hong further shared insights on setting healthy psychological boundaries and maintaining balance between work and life as part of mindful living.

In closing, Venerable Ru Zhong encouraged participants to apply mindfulness in observing their thoughts and emotions with humility and steadiness. She reminded them that while striving for achievement is important, embracing the “second place philosophy”—growing with humility and resilience through life’s ups and downs—is equally a path toward true wisdom and strength.