Caloosahatchee Mindfulness |
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Thich Nhat Hanh shared, “If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile and blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace.” Our Wednesday evening, Caloosahatchee Rising Tide Sangha is part of Thich Nhat Hanh's legacy as it is part of his Plum Village Community and lineage. Perhaps you are curious about how a refugee from Vietnam was able to pursue peace on both the personal level and international stage. We invite you to attend the Wednesday evening sangha on Zoom. Information is below.
We have a number of great opportunities for you as we leave summer behind and move into fall. We have a deep and lasting rest that can be found with Yoga Nidra with Jamie Verley. We have monthly Walking Meditations with Val at Lakes Park in October and December and JayCee Park in November. We are happy to announce a second Mindful Art with Vicki Durso after a full house last week! Lastly, we're offering another Half-Day Meditation Retreat in November at the serene Six Mile Cypress Slough Park. Check out all our offerings below
Much Metta,
Maggie
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October 14 - Walking Meditation at Lakes Park with Valarie Olsen,
9:00 to 9:30 am
October 18 - Drawing from Nothing: An Introduction to Yoga Nidra at Lotus Blossom Clinic with Jamie Verley, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
November 1 - Mindful Art at
BTB Artists' Studio with Vicki Durso, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
November 11 - Walking Meditation at Jaycee Park with Valarie Olsen,
9:00 to 9:30 am
November 18 - Half Day Retreat at Six Mile Cypress Slough, 10 am to 3 pm
December 9 - Walking Meditation at Lakes Park with Valarie Olsen,
9:00 to 9:30 am
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Mindfulness Practice Opportunities |
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Walking Meditation
Walking in nature is a way to bring awareness to the present moment and all the beauty that surrounds you, and can be a form of walking meditation. Thich Nhat Hanh says that the practice of mindful walking is a profound and pleasurable way to deepen our connection with our body and the earth.
We welcome you to join us at local parks for Mindful Walking on the second Saturday of the month from 9:00 - 9:30 am. We have planned the walks for the remainder of 2023, Oct, Nov, and Dec. We will announce the 2024 schedule later in the fall.
The parks chosen have some shade and restrooms. Be sure to bring sun protection and water.
October's walk will be at Lakes Park (7330 Gladiolus Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33908) on Saturday, Oct 14 at 9:00 am. Meet in front of the Community Gardens at 8:45 am for warm-up and orientation, the walk will begin promptly at 9 am. We will do our walking meditation through the Fragrance Garden.
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Draw From Nothing: An Introduction to Yoga Nidra
Life today is exhausting! To shift our patterns and wellness, we need to DO less and REST more. Yoga Nidra is the practice of “Yogic Sleep”, and includes gentle movement, mindful breathing, and a guided relaxation that makes you feel like you’re floating on air. Learn more about how to incorporate this easy and restorative mindfulness technique and the science behind how it works, followed by an hour-long practice.
A few props are available but you may wish to bring some of your own. You will need a yoga mat, a neck pillow or blanket, a light eye covering (not an eye pillow), and 2-3 additional blankets or bolsters for your comfort and warmth. To support your experience, please avoid caffeine and heavy meals on the afternoon of the workshop.
Draw From Nothing: An Introduction to Yoga Nidra will be held on October 18th from 6:30-8:30 pm at Lotus Blossom Clinic. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.
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Mindful Art
Free-flowing meditative art practice with mindful drawing using Neurographic Art is a beautiful meditative process based in mindfulness. It is a simple drawing technique that bypasses the rational thinking mind and reaches deeply into the mind. Your unconscious, ordinarily inaccessible, is opened up. New neural networks are formed in the brain.
Neurographic Art is a simple way to work with the unconscious mind through drawing and a creative way to practice mindfulness. The art technique was created by Russian psychologist, creativity entrepreneur, and architect Pavel Piskarev in 2014.
2-hour mindful drawing session; all supplies are included to complete one drawing. You may bring a journal for thoughts that come up during the practice.
This course is taught by Vicki Durso. Vicki is certified in yoga and the art processes of Neurographica and Zentangles. She holds a Master's degree in psychology. Vicki shares: "As an artist and art teacher, I am passionate about mindfulness. In my personal mindfulness practice, I use intuitive art, Neurographic Art, and Zentangle to help ground into the present moment. My teaching style is free-flowing, creative, non-judgemental, accessible, and inclusive. I am dedicated to making a difference in people's lives through healing practices that connect the mind, body, breath, and creativity. "
This workshop will be held at the Behind the Buddha (BTB) Artists' Studio located at 9290-1 College Parkway which is in the shopping center on the corner of McGregor and College Parkway. The cost is $30 for members and $40 for non-members.
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Caloosahatchee Rising Tide Sangha's
Midweek Mindfulness
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Sangha is the Pali word for community.
You are invited to join us tonight, Wednesday, March 8th for Sangha as we meet on Zoom for meditation and deep sharing. Beginning on March 15, we will gather in person for 8 weeks at Lotus Blossom Clinic. This is a great opportunity to check in with yourself and the sangha during the week. So come relax and calm the mind and body, and practice meditation and deep listening together with us.
Did you know that Caloosahatchee Rising Tide Sangha is listed in Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village Global Sangha Directory?
Join us and see how sangha can support your practice.
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Mindfulness Book Club
Our small group studies and shares books on mindfulness practices to create a happier and healthier life. For information on joining the group by Zoom and the next book to be discussed, call or text (941) 888-0116 or email caloosahatcheemindfulness16@gmail.com
The Book Club is currently reading Boundless Heart: The Buddha’s Path of Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity by Christina Feldman. We will soon begin a new book...requests and recommendations are welcome!
Discussion is focused on understanding how the author’s words and concepts
are relevant to our daily lives.
The book club is free to all Caloosahatchee Mindfulness members.
For more information about membership see the membership information below.
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Friday Time Out
Every Friday morning and evening at 10:00 am and 5 pm, meditation sessions include a 20-minute meditation with initial guidance and then silent sitting. After the meditation, there is a group discussion, a 5-minute silent reflection, and then a thought for the week and check out. These meditations are offered at no cost and no experience is necessary.
For information on joining the group by Zoom, call or text (941) 888-0116,
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With Gratitude to our Community Partners |
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We are so grateful to our Community Partners for their support of mindfulness! |
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Valarie Olsen Counseling & Wellness |
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"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society |
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Become a Caloosahatchee Mindfulness Member! |
We invite you to join us in our practice of mindfulness. We welcome you to check out our new and improved website at
You can join us directly from the website,
We look forward to practicing with you. 🙏🏼
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Mindfulness on the Go!
Can't make Midweek Mindfulness?
Need a few minutes to quiet the mind?
Join us on Insight Timer! 📿
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