Blessings of compassion, peace and well-being to each of you. One of the greatest gifts we can cultivate during these incredibly difficult times is the gift of mindful self-compassion.
"A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day.
A string of such moments can change the course of your life."
Dr. Christopher Germer
Mindfulness and compassion -- the practices of cultivating a focused awareness on the present moment, and extending a loving awareness to others -- are part of every religion and wisdom tradition, and we're at last beginning to understand the profound impact that they have on the brain, says psychiatrist and mindfulness expert Dr. Dan Siegel.
Sharing and learning these practices in a warm, loving community changes us and impacts us and thus all those within our circle of influence. This is how the world changes at the grassroots.
The arts are one of the gifts that help enlighten our hearts and minds and can awaken compassion for self and others.
Take a moment to reflect on the verses written by one of the Imagine Guides, Del Martinez. Please see Del's poem in the Creative Corner at the end. The picture is a friend of mine who works at INOVA Loudoun.
We hope to see you soon at one of our zoom meditation gatherings!
If you have an idea or gathering you want to share through Imagine Well Being, please let me know.
Blessings and love to each of you,
Cathy Norman
Imagine Well Being
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Helpful Zoom Instructions
Imagine Well Being has faced some challenges as we have moved from face to face gatherings to Zoom gatherings. We are now using password protected Zoom links that are sent by our event organizers to RSVPs only. The Zoom link will not be posted publicly. The password is embedded in the link so you will not need to enter a separate password. We have given you the password if there is ever a need to use it.
Please follow these instructions so you will receive your Zoom link once you RSVP to the event you are attending:
- Once you RSVP the private Zoom links will be sent out by your organizer the day of the event or the evening before.
- The email will come from your Meetup event organizer or Cyndi Colbert and the subject line will say: Imagine-new announcement or Let's Take a Hike from Suburbia-new announcement.
- Please check to see your Meetup email notifications are on (we cannot do that) to be sure you will receive the private Zoom links once you RSVP. All of the emails are sent through Meetup and not the organizers private email.
- Please check your junk mail if you do not receive your Zoom link the day of your event and be sure to change your personal email settings if this happens.
- Zoom is very easy to use if you are a first timer. Here is a one minute tutorial. Remember the navigation bar is at the bottom for sound and video.
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Hope in Action Newsletter
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Sunday, May 3, 7:30-8:30 pm
Monday, May 11, 6-7 pm
Together, we will sit in silent
meditation for approximately 20-25 minutes, followed by an opportunity
to share how the practice is unfolding in our lives. Our intention is
to inspire one another toward regular meditation practice, while
sharing the direct, rich experience of sitting in communal silence.
"This will be an online Zoom meeting. TO RECEIVE YOUR PASSWORD PROTECTED ZOOM INVITATION, YOU WILL NEED TO RSVP AND WE WILL SEND THE LINK VIA EMAIL.”
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ONLINE Mindfulness Meditation Community Gathering
Mondays, May 4 and 18, 6:00-7:30 pm
This experience will focus on mindfulness meditation and community conversation to inspire and equip first timers or experienced meditators in evidenced-based mindfulness meditation.
"This will be an online Zoom meeting. TO RECEIVE YOUR PASSWORD PROTECTED ZOOM INVITATION, YOU WILL NEED TO RSVP AND WE WILL SEND THE LINK VIA EMAIL.”
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ONLINE Integral Hatha Yoga
Every Tuesday, 7-8 pm
This gentle yoga class is designed to integrate mindfulness and Hatha Yoga in the evidenced-based tradition cultivating more calmness through mindful breathing and movement in daily life.
"This will be an online Zoom meeting. TO RECEIVE YOUR PASSWORD PROTECTED ZOOM INVITATION, YOU WILL NEED TO RSVP AND WE WILL SEND THE LINK VIA EMAIL.”
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ONLINE Restorative Yoga
Wednesdays, May 6 and 20 1:30-2:30 pm
This class is designed to introduce Mindful Restorative Yoga as a practice to boost your immune system and increase mindful stress reduction and relaxation.
"This will be an online Zoom meeting. TO RECEIVE YOUR PASSWORD PROTECTED ZOOM INVITATION, YOU WILL NEED TO RSVP AND WE WILL SEND THE LINK VIA EMAIL.”
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ONLINE Chair Yoga for Stress Relief & Renewal
Wednesdays, May 13 and 27, 1:30-2:30 pm
Chair yoga is a great way to relax from head to toe without the stress of getting out of your chair. Target areas will include the systems of the body, digestive, nervous andendocrine: most importantly, the Lymphatic system to boost immunity and cleanse the entire body.
"This will be an online Zoom meeting. TO RECEIVE YOUR PASSWORD PROTECTED ZOOM INVITATION, YOU WILL NEED TO RSVP AND WE WILL SEND THE LINK VIA EMAIL.”
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ONLINE Mindful Moments for Rest & Resilience
Nightly, 9:30-9:45 pm
This brief gathering zoom gathering is designed to end the day with a brief inspiring reading from a mindful, meditative resource, a moment of quiet together and a closing loving kindness blessing. Each gathering is a stand alone so that you can join as your schedule allows.
"This will be an online Zoom meeting. TO RECEIVE YOUR PASSWORD PROTECTED ZOOM INVITATION, YOU WILL NEED TO RSVP AND WE WILL SEND THE LINK VIA EMAIL.”
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ONLINE Connections, Don't Be Alone: Support & Community
Tuesdays, 4-5 pm
Thursdays,
8-9 pm
Are you stressed out, sad, lonely, angry, isolated, angry, fearful, confused, overwhelmed? You don't have to go it alone. Let's come together for an hour in a safe facilitated meeting to share experiences, feelings, coping strategies during this crisis time. You'll find compassion, support, and knowledge that you are not the only one.
"This will be an online Zoom meeting. TO RECEIVE YOUR PASSWORD PROTECTED ZOOM INVITATION, YOU WILL NEED TO RSVP AND WE WILL SEND THE LINK VIA EMAIL.”
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ONLINE Wellness Wednesdays with Michelle
Wednesdays, 12-12:30 pm
Are you stressed or feeling more anxious during this lockdown? Well, you are NOT alone!
Wouldn't you love to get more organized and be more productive while working from home?
Take a break every week for a lunch-time session to discuss tips on how to get organized, achieve work/life balance, and how to activate your inner calm.
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ONLINE
Weekly Spiritual Gathering: Wholeness in Community
Wednesdays, 7-8 pm
Each gathering will begin with a period of silent meditation. We will then explore different spiritual topics, share our thoughts and responses in a small group setting, discuss how we will work towards the integration of spiritual teachings and practices into our daily lives, and close each meeting with a period of guided meditation and reflection.
"This will be an online Zoom meeting. TO RECEIVE YOUR PASSWORD PROTECTED ZOOM INVITATION, YOU WILL NEED TO RSVP AND WE WILL SEND THE LINK VIA EMAIL.”
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Support local farmers and safely pick up fresh veggies and fruits!
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Chair Yoga Practices
Video resources for calming chair yoga practices. Gentle chair yoga is designed to support immunity and calming response.
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Serenity Prayer Meditation
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Breathing Practices by Nancy McGovern
Lion's Breath
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This is a great exercise to release some pent up energy or to get a little energy if you need it!
Candle Breathing
- This is an incredible gift to help kids and adults calm down on the spot.
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H
ere are
Six Daily Questions
to ask yourself during this quarantine time from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.
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Thank You
by Del Martinez
I Saw Love today
At the grocery store
It bagged up my groceries
And opened the door
Love waved through the window
It held me with care
In scrubs and glasses
It helped me not fear
Love showed me compassion
On the screen it gave cheer
Love wrote us a song
And sang it so clear
The puppets they danced
The words were then said
We laughed and we cried
Together, we did
Then a bedtime story
And tucked us in tight
Tomorrow’s a new adventure
So sleep well tonight
Angels held the aged hands
Of the ones that we love
And loved ones we will never know
Love showed up with skin on
For all of us
Not just a few
Compassion showed up
In all of us
To give us strength to come through
Thank you our heroes with names still unknown
So many it boggles the mind
Thank you, the angels who would not sit by
An example of love for all time
~djm
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Since Del Martinez began to attend Imagine Well Being he has renewed a love for creative writing. I have asked Del to share some of the 300 poems or reflections he has written over the last year. This is a time to awaken and share your creative gifts for community renewal and healing.
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