Engage in an interactive workshop and connect with your peers

As part of the Light of Learning Programme youth administrative co-coordinator Jessica Franey and Marketing Specialist Ryan Grant lead a youth event at the University of Guelph on January 25th, 2025. The event was an opportunity for youth to network, interact and have conversations surrounding the topic of “Digital Detox: Grounding Yourself in a Social Media-Driven World”.

The event was held at Peter Clark Hall in affiliation with the University of Guelph’s Gujarati Students’ Association.

The day began with a lovely introduction to the event by our hosts, an organizational
presentation from Centre for Conscious Awareness – Canada directors followed by a
presentation by the co-presidents of the University of Guelph’s Gujarati Students’ Association: Maina Patel and Saloni Beladia.

We started the workshop breakout sessions with a Bingo contest ice-breaker, so that everyone can get to know each other better. And we were so grateful to Saje Wellness Scarborough for donating multiple prizes for the youth in attendance!

Our hosts guided a meaningful discussion regarding the topic. These were the discussion questions used for the workshop:

1. Do you believe social media is fostering a sense of connection or isolation in your life and the lives of others around you?

2. How can we balance using social media for its positive benefits, like staying informed and expressing creativity, while minimizing its negative effects on our well-being?

3. What challenges do you face when trying to disconnect from social media, especially when it feels like an integral part of professional or social life?

4. How can digital detoxes become part of a healthy lifestyle without feeling like you’re missing out on essential information or connections?

5. What are some strategies that help you or others effectively disconnect from social media, even if only temporarily?

Charity founder, Srinivas Arka, pre-recorded an audio talk for this event that was played during the discussion workshop. He answered the following questions:

1.⁠ ⁠How does spending a large amount of time on social media affect us?

An excerpt from Arka’s response: “We should have an upper hand over such electronic habits, so as not to get carried away to the extent of becoming addicted and servile. We have to use our sensibility on how to use, when to use, to what extent, and maintain our will power and integrity.”

2.⁠ ⁠How do we “ground” ourselves in the digital age, where constant online connectivity often replaces personal presence?

Arka states “You are more important, remember, than anything else in the world.
If you can hold your spirit high, you can do many great things, contribute something more valuable and profound.”

CCA-Canada team gave an Intuitive Meditation demonstration to the youth in attendance.

We had musical performances from wonderful youth musicians: Skylar Everett and a duo band, The Keys, consisting of Abby Petrie and Chiara Pavone.

We enjoyed a delicious pizza party, vegetarian sandwiches, and coffee and tea to conclude the event.

A special thank you to the youth support staff that put all their effort and hard work to make the event a success:

Wancong Song
Shane Phyper
Alexandra Jackson
Erika Lowson
Emma Hills