Calendar

Conversations on the Theme of Presence Continue in 2025

By inviting individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives to engage in dialogue around a central theme, we create meaningful and authentic encounters that open up new possibilities for creative connections between ideas, people, and practices.

With a kaleidoscopic approach, our intention is not to establish a single, agreed-upon definition of presence, but rather to explore how this concept unfolds, manifests, and connects to both individual and collective human experience. In 2024, we began our exploration of this fundamental notion of human consciousness.

While the first series of conversations was held by invitation only, this year we aim to open participation to a broader audience.

Learn more about this activity !

Free – suggested donation – see our social pricing policy.

May 27 & September 24 2025, at Cité-des-Hospitalières en transition.

Social Meditation

Social meditation is both a very simple and profoundly deep practice, going straight to the heart of the matter. Seated in a circle, we practice presence, speaking from what is present, and authentic listening.

It allows us to connect with both courage and vulnerability while offering others a space of non-judgmental welcome. A precious, often magical moment of connection that we want to share and cultivate.

This practice was developed about fifteen years ago by Nick Kranz, a deep admirer of humanity and a long-time practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly within the Shambhala lineage.

Brèches will host six social meditations this year. Each session lasts approximately one hour and takes place on Thursdays from 6 PM to 7:30 PM. After the meditation, biscuits and herbal tea are offered as a way to exchange.

Free – suggested donation between $5 and $20 – see our social pricing policy.

April 10, May 22, June 19, September 25, October 16, and November 27

Meditations are guided by Geneviève Martineau.

Registration forms for the april 10 session.

This Year, Brèches Introduces the Discussion Gatherings Format

We have witnessed the depth of meaning and connection that emerged among participants in the 2024 conversations we organized. Building on this experience, we now wish to bring these unique and inspiring perspectives on the theme of presence to a broader collective space.

Lasting approximately 45 minutes, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session, these discussion gatherings offer an intimate and welcoming experience. They take place in front of a small audience in the exceptional setting of the chapel at Cité-des-Hospitalières (209 Avenue des Pins Ouest). These gatherings are open to a diverse, curious, and engaged audience.

Schedule: Primarily on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Dates and guest speaker :
March 26 : Florence Vinit
May 7 : Antoine Forcione
June 18 : Alexandra Pierre
October 1st : Jonathan Martineau

Free – Suggested donation - see our social pricing policy

Join us!

Warm Data Labs (WDL) at Brèches

Warm Data Labs (WDL) are a practice developed by Nora Bateson, introduced for the first time in Montreal during her visit to Brèches in November 2024.

Inspired by this approach of openness and interconnectedness—one that deeply resonates with our own intentions—Brèches is committed to offering new WDL sessions in collaboration with facilitators trained by Nora Bateson.

A WDL invites us to reconnect aspects of life that we have been taught to approach separately—such as economy, health, family, history, and ecology—and weave them together. Nora Bateson encourages us to position ourselves at the center of all these relationships through our own lived experience while engaging with the diverse perspectives of those around us.

Four WDL sessions will be organized in 2025:

• June 14 at Cité-des-Hospitalières, more details soon !

• Additional sessions in September, October, and December will take place in different locations all around Montreal to reach a wider audience.

Stay tuned !

Information coming soon !

Each year, Brèches hosts a public lecture featuring a special guest — someone recognized in their field and offering a unique perspective on the theme that inspires Brèches’ activities.

The themes we choose are timely and open-ended. They aim to bring together a wide and diverse audience — and to spark surprise.

In November 2024, the founding year of Brèches, Nora Bateson was invited to Montréal to share a deep and original reflection on presence, and on our capacity to create — to connect with everything around us.

This year, on November 20, 2025, another major public event is planned. It will be the occasion for Brèches to launch its second theme. Still under wraps for now, we can only say this: it is more relevant than ever and truly deserves our attention!

A Musical Event (and More – Think Poetry, Performance, Drag… Let’s Surprise Ourselves!)

An event that reimagines the idea of a mass/brèche, infused with today’s colors, rituals, and reflections. A gathering that illuminates and resonates through the chapel of the Hospitalières, creating an exceptional moment of celebration, connection, and festivity.

A space to reflect on our intentions and our relationship to the world, while embracing the essence of love and communal joy found in traditional festivities.

And always in the spirit of Brèches—something unexpected, creating moments of interruption, authenticity, presence, and gentleness, nudging us outside our usual frames of reference.

Free admission – Suggested donation – See our social pricing policy

December 20, 2025, at 8:30 PM
Keept the date !