Read Maria's articles on

• "Maria introduced me to the fundamentals of mindfulness in a way that was tailored to my particular needs. I am now able to approach the day with an objectivity and equanimity concerning things outside my control I never thought possible, while at the same time having an intense appreciation of the present moment – an awareness of my physical surroundings, a greater understanding of the people I meet and interact with, and a greater focus on what I need to prioritize both for myself and the people who are close to me."

  Alex Dill
• "Maria's warmth and deep wisdom shone through from the first moment I spoke with her. I felt so grateful that she was able to speak at my office in Queen's Park, and in that way share the gift of mindfulness with many that had never heard the word before. Everyone was taken by Maria's presentation. Not only was it simple and tremendously effective in demonstrating the importance of mindfulness in our high-stress world, but it was also experiential. Everyone walked away having felt the power of what bringing our attention to the present moment can bring.
  
  Maria's approach to leadership and her emphasis in applying mindfulness to our everyday tasks and interactions will undoubtedly improve our lives, our workplaces, and our world. Thank you, Maria!"

  Paula Vital Senior Advisor, Cabinet Office, Ontario Public Service
• "I first became aware of Maria's work by my purchase of her book, Mindful Leadership, in an airport bookstore. The book was simple and straightforward and appealed to me as a business book, but with the recognition that leadership is a process that involves building skills beyond the superficial "do's and don't's" outlined in many other business books. The idea of "mindfulness" attracted me as did honing my skills on reflection, concentration, clarity and equanimity to create a deeper appreciation of leadership. After the purchase of the book, I wanted more so I contacted Maria and did the one on one coaching. My idea of success in training is that it changes the way you will do things in the future. And that is what I gained from Maria."

  Alyson Townsend, President & CEO, Canadian Cable Systems Alliance Inc.
• "I originally embraced meditation in an attempt to battle the too often occurring migraines that came along with menopause!
  
  But oh what an amazing journey it has turned out to be! I was unprepared for the benefits that resulted from a daily practice. The least of which was a reduction in migraines.
  
  Little did I realize working with Maria would help me make better decisions at work and better "hear" what my clients were saying! Much to my surprise I became more focused and creative in all aspects of my life.
  
  I've since told anyone who would listen that this is a "must do". And not to be intimidated as it's not difficult when you have someone like Maria to teach you the skills to excel."

  Sandra Pierce, The Bag Lady of Bay Street, Director of Wealth Management, Richardson GMP
• "The techniques I've learned from Maria have enabled me to work through some difficult emotions to find my way back to inner peace and freedom from my irritants. They continue to assist me in making the journey back to myself, with patience. Aside from what I learned and am able to apply practically, Maria's pure presence taught me more than I could have ever imagined. She is patient beyond measure, compassionate with every student, and presents herself with such grace, that I found myself in awe and inspired to find a deeper sense of peace within myself and more patience and compassion while working with others. Although the workshop was just two days, my life had been enriched with purpose and meaning because of what Maria so generously gave of herself. "

  Maria Khan, Stress Management Consultant
• "Within weeks of taking your Mindful Leadership course at the University of Toronto, I have become aware of the driving forces behind my actions, and thus change the responses. Thank you, Maria, for your gift of freedom."

  Marjorie Shu
• "Maria is special. She exudes calmness and clarity, you know you are in a very honest presence .
  
  I am a physician: very typical, easy to control migraines were becoming worse, not better with time. I began seeing a neurologist not knowing she is probably the best in the city when it comes to headaches. So called natural remedies and recommendations were tried, as well as, many medication trials. I was becoming worse and very despondent. One day as I was about to leave she suggested I connect with someone named Maria Gonzalez, giving me her phone number, telling me she had done work on Mindfulness with Harvard; and told me to look at her website, not much more.
  
  I did phone Maria; she returned my call making it very clear that I needed to be able to commit one-half hour per day to meditation or there was no point in seeing her, I would be wasting my time (not money!; this struck a very definite cord. I couldn't believe anyone could be so honest or put time ahead of money. I have repeated this story many times.)
  
  Meditation was the one area in terms of health where I did not practice what I preached. I think I wasn't sure I could find 10 or 15 minutes to sit and be calm.
  
  Well , Maria opened up a very new door with a fascinating, positive, hopeful inside. She made it very clear that she could not cure my headaches, but, hopefully help me to better cope with them. Of course, that is the case, but so much more, and so different from what I expected. Although Maria's world is the business one, she works with people from many walks of life. Her teachings are universal and mind turning for me is her belief that if we all practiced Mindfulness the world would be a very different place. Also, fascinating for me is the fact that there is MRI evidence that Mindfulness can actually create changes in the brain. Her teaching method is very forgiving, always leaving room to achieve.
  
  Maria worked with me, teaching me meditation techniques I could use during my daily half hour time. To truly be in the moment is not easy, but possible. Maria goes beyond her required one-half hour commitment to teaching one how to be mindful / in the moment always. That is challenging – for me, but so rewarding if done. When you pick up your cup of tea, savour the sip – how beautiful is that!
  
  Maria told me I would find that I would have more time in my day, and to give it to myself. I have and I do; it's wonderful.
  
  My practices are apparently at a very basic level. I feel that to do what Maria has tried to impart to me will be enough to make me and my life very different .
  
  A special person with much to give. "

  Dr. Cheryl Green
• "I cannot praise Maria enough for sharing her gift of Mindfulness with others. Taking Maria's course changed my life in many ways. I attribute Maria's course with fulfilling a very special goal of mine which was having a family after 3 1/2 years of no success. Since her course I have also been able to focus on my career goals and have started my own business with another one of Maria's students. "

  Chris Patswell
• "Thank you Maria for all you have taught me, your course transformed my life. As I read from your book "Mindful Leadership", one line stands out: "...as you move through the world as a mindful leader, you will touch the lives of many, some in big ways, some in small ways." Maria's insights and abilities as a teacher and a mentor touched my life in a "big way", and for that I will always be grateful. "

  Felicity Bannister, Co-Founder, Mindology.com
• "... I'm calmer, more content and less flustered about the past or the future. Meditation adds a great amount of sanity to life... In my professional life, people see me as being more present and more confident..."

  Sean Foran
• "... I find that my ability to concentrate is much greater than before I started to meditate. I also find that I am more creative than I was in the past… I am also able to anticipate client needs as well as manage stress better than I did before."

  Gaetano Geretto, President, Pelecanus Strategic Advisory Services Inc.
• "... Maria brings a powerful combination of wisdom as a senior business leader and negotiator and enormous talent in guiding the deeply personal meditation process. This blend of experiences gives her the ability to understand and relate to clients on many levels."

  Lesley Parrott, Principal, Lesley Parrott Consulting
• "... Working with Maria has taught me the difference in results that come from focus as opposed to multi-tasking. I have learned to get present before I interact with people so that I can devote my full attention to the issue at hand. I can also move through a very large list of things that need to be done and am more in control of my day."

  Jan Kestle, President, Environics Analytics
• "... Meditating... has enabled me to be more calm and focused in meetings, making me more effective at my job. Small things that at one time may have bothered me tend to roll off, having minimal effect. I feel more connected to my inner self, more confident and optimistic for the future."

  Judy Sims, Vice President, Product Development and Business Management, Thestar.com
• "... I apply Mindfulness in the workplace to better manage relationships. It has helped me to look at myself in a much more objective way. ... Instead of being judgmental I can be more introspective and make a situation pleasant rather than unpleasant."

  Jocelyne Achat
• "... Meditation is a powerful coping skill for times of stress, and an amazing, life-enhancing practice in ordinary, daily life. It is simple, and its effects are immediate."

  Peggy Guest, President, Imperial Street Design
• "Mindfulness Meditation provides a time to calm the mind and go within to find peace. It helps me to be more aware (and mindful) of everyday experiences and to listen better. It positively impacts communication. Meditation helps to put things in perspective."

  Kathy Wilkie, Registrar & Executive Director, College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario
• "I started meditating... because I wanted to quiet my mind and learn how to be present and in the moment. My meditation practice has transformed my life, personally and professionally. I feel calm, patient, peaceful, present, kind and joyful...It has allowed me to be more productive because I'm able to stay focused."

  Peggie Pelosi, Founder/ President, Orenda Connections
• "I attended Maria's Mindful Golf Workshop in 2007... I am calmer and more thoughtful on the golf course and I don't get down on myself as much for poor shots. ...After taking the course I won the Senior Ladies Club Championship. I can honestly say that I believe that the learnings from the Workshop contributed to this latter success."

  Gail Kilgour – member of St. George's Golf & Country Club
• "I am thrilled to let you know how your Mindful Golf Workshop has helped my golf game; bottom line: my scores are better, my handicap is lower. I have more confidence that I can execute the shots that I want; I have more good shots and fewer bad shots... I can highly recommend the course to anyone who wants to improve their game, and their enjoyment of this great sport."

  Janice May – member of Meadowbrook Golf & Country Club

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