Caloosahatchee Mindfulness |
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My years living up north primed me to think of March as a time of change. Spring may or may not arrive. Some years the daffodils bloomed only to be covered by the next week's snow. No one could predict the weather. March is certainly a season of "don't know mind!" Having a "don't know mind" is a good place to find ourselves, leaving us with fewer expectations and disappointments. March in southwest Florida often has the year's most lovely weather, except when it isn't. Regardless of the weather, we are launching a new Walking Meditation Group. 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're excited to offer this outdoor experience in some of our great local parks. For more information check below.
In the spirit of the changeable season, there will also be a change for the Caloosahatchee Rising Tide Sangha. Beginning on March 15, the Sangha will meet in person at the Lotus Blossom Clinic. Over the past two years, some people have asked for in-person meditation. We will have eight weeks of meditation at the Lotus Blossom and then make a decision whether to keep in person or to move back to Zoom. Please feel free to contact us with your preferences.
We are also offering an Introduction to Spiritual Friends at Lakes Park on March 19 at 9:00 am in Shelter A3. This session will give participants a flavor of a spiritual friends group where like-minded people gather to informally meditate together. More information can be found below.
March. Changeable Weather. Changing Time. A lesson in impermanence. The Buddha said, “All conditioned things are impermanent' — when one sees this with wisdom, one turns away from suffering”. March reminds us to use our "don't know" mind and experience the present moment. We hope you can join us in the March offerings.
Wishing You Well,
Maggie
Caloosahatchee Mindfulness Chair
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Mindfulness Practice Opportunities |
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Walking Meditation Group
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. We will meet on the second Saturday of the month from 9:00 am - 9:30 am. We have planned for the months of March, April, May, and June. We will take a break for July, August, and September and resume in Oct, November, and December. Be sure to bring water and sun protection. All parks have restrooms and some shade. Information about parking can be found at the end of this description.
The first walk will be at Lakes Park (7330 Gladiolus Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33908) on March 11 at 9 am. Meet in front of the Community Gardens, will do our walking meditation through the Fragrance Garden. Note: There is a parking fee of $1 an hour.
This is a free offering through Caloosahatchee Mindfulness.
Check our website for April, May, and June locations. Guests are welcome.
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Introduction to Spiritual Friends
at Lakes Park
This will be a "pot-luck" gathering. Participants will take part in mindfulness activities. A discussion will be held to determine people's interest in establishing spiritual friends group (s).
Spiritual Friends groups commit to meeting regularly with peer-led small groups of people who share an interest in meditation and the Buddhist path—an opportunity to develop deep roots in the practice, together.
Maggie Stevens and Ken Laszczych are the facilitators for this FREE event.
NOTE: A Parking Fee is required at Lakes Park of $1 an hour or $5 for the day. Pavilion A3 is between Parking Lots 1 and 2. When entering the park from Gladiolus Blvd., turn left.
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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
Our first book for 2023 is: Our first 5 Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living by Frank Ostaseski.
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 or participants can join for the pre-pandemic fee of $20 a month ($5 a week).
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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If you love finding meaningful, uplifting quotes and posts on social media, we could use your skills! We are looking for a volunteer to help create inspiring social media posts as part of an upcoming project for the year.
If you are interested, or would like more information, please send our social media manager an email at susanrashley@aol.com for more information!
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