Lego Mindful Building - Monthly Drop-In Sessions

Take a mindful break with LEGO!

Join me (virtually) every third Friday of the month from 12:30–1:00 PM ET (Ottawa time) for a relaxed, creative session where we build, unwind, and connect.

🧘‍♀️ No instructions, no pressure! Just bring your own LEGO and build whatever you like.

🎨 Each session includes a simple template to spark ideas (or bring your own project!).

🎥 Join via MS Teams – camera optional, fun guaranteed.

Let’s play, relax, and recharge together!

Please note that this activity is not an official event of any department, sector, branch, or team. It is an open space and an invitation to connect informally where everyone is welcome! Inspired by Convergence - wiki

🏗️ Description

LEGO Mindful Building – Monthly Drop-in Sessions:

• Hosted by: Olga Novoa, User Experience Designer at ISED
• Inspired by: https://wiki.gccollab.ca/Convergence
• When: Third Friday of each month
• Time: 12:30–1:00 PM ET (Ottawa time) (30 minutes)
• Where: Microsoft Teams

🌟 Purpose

A calm, creative space for public servants to:

• Unwind and reset during the workday
• Engage in mindful play using their own LEGO sets
• Connect with like-minded colleagues across departments
• Build freely or follow a simple monthly template

🧘‍♀️ How It Works

No instructions, no pressure, just play!

• All levels and expertise
• Bring your own LEGO set or bricks
• Each session will begin with a quick hello and a shared basic build template (e.g., a mini chair, a tiny tree, a smiley face)
• Participants can follow the template or work on their own creations
• Cameras on or off, your comfort matters
• No need to finish anything, this is about the process, not the product

🎨 Don’t have LEGO? No problem!

You’re welcome to join just to watch, learn, and connect with others. Whether you’re using LEGO bricks, compatible alternatives, or simply curious about the experience, these sessions are open to all, from beginners to master builders. Everyone is welcome!

🏗️ Tiny Build Ideas for Monthly Sessions

Here are some simple, creative ideas using generic LEGO bricks:

1. Watermelon Slice 🍉 – Use red, green, and black bricks to mimic a juicy wedge
2. Ice Cream Cone 🍦 – Stack tan and pastel bricks to create a cone with a scoop
3. Mini Robot 🤖 – Use grey and blue bricks for a tiny tech friend
4. Lego Duck 🦆 – A classic 4-brick duck (great for beginners!)
5. Rocket Ship 🚀 – A vertical build with fins and a pointed top

🪜 Joining

• No experience with LEGO bricks or sets is necessary.
• Public servants from all departments are welcome to attend!
• These sessions are open to all skill levels, from curious beginners to seasoned master builders.
• Everyone is welcome to join in, build at their own pace, and enjoy the creative break.

📅 Recurring Teams Invite

Lego Mindful Building – Monthly Drop-In Sessions, take place in English 12:30–1:00 PM ET (Ottawa time) via MS Teams on the third Friday of each month.

If you can't join right at 12:30 PM, you are welcome to join the call later!

📬 Want to join the fun?

Message me and I’ll send you the recurring series for 30 minutes of mindful LEGO building each month!

🧰 Resources

🛠️ Free LEGO Mini Build Instructions

The first place to start is this free LEGO mini build instructions database where you can search and download thousands of free LEGO guides! 

From 2008-2020, LEGO offered monthly free mini build instructions that are super easy to build with generic LEGO pieces. Somebody collected over 12 years' worth of these free guides, and you can view & download them all here! With only a handful of generic pieces, you'll learn how to build a frog, truck, airplane, or something similar.

All these instructions are trademarks of the LEGO® group.

📲 Free LEGO Instructions App

LEGO has a new app called Brickit that scans your pile of bricks and tells you what you can build, 🚀 It’s what my 5-year-old self always dreamed of! 👩‍🚀