For the ninth consecutive year, Queen’s is preparing for Thrive – a week-long series aimed at building positive mental health and wellness through discussion, learning, skill development, and resource sharing. This year’s events focus on compassion and how we can demonstrate compassion through simple, everyday acts and gestures.

“Thrive Week is a unique opportunity for us to learn and grow together as a community,” says Sydney Downey, Director, Employee Wellness Services (Human Resources). “This year’s theme underscores the importance of supporting our own wellbeing while demonstrating compassion towards others, and by fostering empathy and kindness, we can create a thriving community at Queen’s.”

During Thrive Week, participants can engage in a wide range of activities and initiatives that promote compassion, including a keynote presentation from Jacoba Lilius. Dr. Lilius joined Queen’s in 2006 after receiving her Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from the University of Michigan. Her research centers on unpacking prosocial emotions and behaviours in the workplace, with a particular interest in individual practices that support compassion. She has continued her research on workplace compassion for over 20 years as an active member of the CompassionLab. Dr. Lilius will host a virtual 75-minute keynote presentation on Thursday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. to discuss compassion in our lives. Those interested can register online.

Some additional featured events and opportunities to look forward to include:

• Art Therapy: Pinch Pot – an in-person mindfulness art exercise where participants will be able to mold a clay pinch pot, using art as a tool for expression and discussion. 
• Always an Athlete – a session that will provide practical strategies and assessments to help participants maintain movement and rediscover the fun of exercise. 
• Responding to Disclosures: Compassionately Supporting Ourselves while Supporting Others – a psychoeducational workshop that aims to provide practical strategies to support oneself while supporting someone else in their moment of vulnerability.
• Compassion in Action Campaign - simple, everyday acts and gestures that demonstrate compassion in our lives. Share how you create a culture of compassion on the Digital Wall of Compassion.
• Free Hot Beverage - Queen’s employees can enjoy a free coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at one of the university’s participating food outlets on Friday, Nov. 3, courtesy of the Office of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor. Reusable mugs are encouraged. A complete list of participating locations is available on the HR Intranet.

For more information, including other events, dates, and registration, visit the Thrive page.