THE ART OF CONNECTION: An Experiential Evening of Authentic Relating, Breath, Music & Presence

Between you and me, something honest starts to breathe.

Many of us sense there is a deeper way of meeting — beyond surface conversation, familiar roles, and the things we think we’re supposed to say.

What happens when we slow down enough to really notice ourselves — and one another?

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Potluck 6:30 pm • Circle 7:30–9:30 pm

Studio 202 • 43 Towns Rd. • South Etobicoke

This Wonderful Wednesday gathering is an experiential introduction to Authentic Relating and other practices that invite greater presence, openness, and genuine human connection.

Co-facilitated by Mariel Camilleri and Michael Ionesco, the evening draws from Authentic Relating, somatic awareness, conscious breath, music, and deep listening.

Rather than spending the evening talking about connection, we’ll experience it.

Through simple, playful, and sometimes surprisingly revealing practices, we’ll explore what changes when we become curious instead of assuming, listen without preparing our response, notice what is actually happening in the moment, and allow ourselves to be genuinely seen.

Music offers another doorway. We may breathe together, listen deeply to songs whose words touch the heart, and perhaps add our own voices through simple shared singing or kirtan.

No previous experience — or singing ability — is needed.

This isn’t about performing, being impressive, or getting anything “right.”

You are always invited, never forced.

Participate at your own pace. Pass whenever you choose. Honour your boundaries. Sometimes connection begins simply by noticing what happens inside us when we are truly present with another person.

Curious to Go Deeper?

This evening is a complete experience in itself. It is also an opportunity to discover whether you feel drawn to continue.

Ten days later, on Saturday, October 24, Mariel and Michael will facilitate a longer, full-day intensive with more time and space to deepen the work.

October 14 gives you an opportunity to experience some of the practices, meet the facilitators, feel the quality of the group space, and — most importantly — notice your own response.

There is no expectation that you continue.

You may leave having had exactly the experience you came for.

Or you may find yourself curious about what becomes possible when we go deeper.

About Mariel & Michael

Mariel Camilleri brings decades of experience in body-based practice, breathwork, somatic inquiry, and experiential group facilitation. Her approach emphasizes curiosity, embodied awareness, personal choice, and respect for each person’s natural process.

Michael Ionesco brings a sensitivity to music, sound, rhythm, and their capacity to support presence and connection. Through carefully chosen music, live instruments, and vocal elements, he helps create experiences that reach beyond words.

Together, Mariel and Michael offer enough structure to support the experience while leaving room for spontaneity, playfulness, and whatever emerges between the people who gather.

Potluck & Contribution

We begin with a shared potluck at 6:30 pm. Bring a simple, healthy dish to share. The facilitated circle begins at 7:30 pm and ends at approximately 9:30 pm.

Wonderful Wednesdays are offered by donation.

Suggested contribution: $10–25. No one is turned away for lack of funds.

Studio 202

43 Towns Rd.

South Etobicoke

Come As You Are

You don’t need to be outgoing.

You don’t need to be good at talking about your feelings.

And you don’t need to know anything about Authentic Relating.

Bring your curiosity.

Bring your boundaries.

Bring yourself.

And let’s see what happens between us.

Looking and listening

The space between us opens

Connection begins