Hello! My name is Nicholas, and I鈥檓 a U3 International Development Student. I鈥檓 half Canadian and half Colombian, but I grew up in the tiny Southeast Asian nation of Brunei, where I lived for seventeen years. Growing up in Southeast Asia exposed me to various traditions and led me to take an interest in Buddhism along with other Eastern philosophies. Meditation and mindfulness are central to my daily routine and have permanently changed my life for the better. I have undertaken over two hundred hours of Vipassana meditation training and am currently running the 91社区 Meditation Club. I love how we have created a community of meditators and a space where people feel free to share their experiences in a supportive atmosphere. I also have experience with plant medicines and have participated in six Ayahuasca ceremonies with Shipibo shamans in the Peruvian Amazon. Working with these sacred plants within the context of Indigenous Amazonian culture has given me a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me while strengthening my connection to nature. I would love to chat with anyone about integrating mindfulness and meditation into daily life, spirituality, healing, growing up abroad, mental health, nature, or anything else important to you.
Why did you choose to become a conversation partner volunteer?
I became a conversations partner volunteer because I love having meaningful conversations with people about deeper and more meaningful topics. I think conversation can provide the sense that we are not alone in our journey of navigating life. It is comforting to have an attentive ear and a second perspective.
What kind of spiritual and or religious practice do you have?
The primary spiritual practice I engage in daily is meditation, specifically Vipassana. My meditation practice has become one of the most important foundations for my mental and spiritual well-being, impacting all areas of my life. Some benefits I derive from meditation include feeling more grounded and connected with myself and my values.
What is your favorite quiet space?
My favorite quiet space on campus is the meditation room at MORSL. It is the perfect place to find solitude and meditate in a peaceful environment with a big window and lots of plants. It鈥檚 quite convenient for me to go between classes since it is right on campus.
If you'd like to book a conversation with Nicholas or another volunteer visit聽Book a Conversation Session.聽To learn more about the Conversation Partners Program, see聽MORSL's Conversation Partners Program.
