JUNE 2020

Dear ones,

In these days what could be more important than cultivating sanity, self-compassion and radical love for self others.

This quote from Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn - University of Massachusetts Medical Center

"I have come to see the cultivation of mindfulness as a radical act - a radical act of sanity, of self-compassion, and ultimately, of love.  

It has to do with not "mis-taking" our thoughts for the truth of things, and not being so susceptible to getting caught in emotional storms that often only compound pain and suffering, our own and that of others.  

This approach to life is indeed a radical act of love on every level." 

Everything we are doing through Imagine Well Being is designed to introduce and strengthen mindful awareness cultivating compassion, wisdom, service and forgiveness as a radical act of love. 

Every yoga gathering, meditation experience and community conversation is for one purpose that Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn expressed so beautifully.

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
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:

  1. Once you RSVP the private Zoom links will be sent out by your organizer the day of the event or the evening before. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
Hope in Action Newsletter

Here is a link to the Hope in Action- Covid19 Response Newsletter with ideas of ways you can serve in the community.
YOGA & MEDITATION
Sundays, June 14 and 28, 7:30-8:30 pm
Mondays, June 8 and 22, 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.”
Sundays , Register Here.
Mondays , Register Here.
ONLINE Mindfulness Meditation Community Gathering
Mondays, June 1, 15 and 29, 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.”
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.”
ONLINE Restorative Yoga
Wednesdays, June 3 and 17 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.”
ONLINE Chair Yoga for Stress Relief & Renewal
Wednesdays, June 10 and 24, 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.”
ONLINE Pranayama and Laughter Yoga
Friday, June 12, 5-6 pm

Join us to learn more about the mindful practice of Pranayama - the formal yoga method of controlling the breath and opening the lungs to reap the benefits of the natural tranquilizer of the body. These simple breathing techniques will prepare us for a short introduction to Laughter Yoga.

"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.”
COMMUNITY GATHERINGS
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.”
Tuesdays, Register Here.
Thursdays, Register Here.
ONLINE Mindful Moments for Rest & Resilience
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 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.”
Tuesdays, Register Here .
Thursdays, Register Here.
Beer, Conversation and Spirituality
Tuesday, June 9, 6:30-8:30pm

Topic: "Does your life today seem a little bit like Ground Hog Day?"

We welcome persons young and old of all faiths (or none) and all nationalities to join us. That diversity makes for compelling conversations.

"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.”
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.
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.”
ONLINE Weekly Audio Book Club
Thursdays, 4-5 pm
When was the last time someone read a book to you? You may be surprised at how very restful it is during this strange time of isolation. Join us weekly for our Audio Book Club. Ebooks or "real" books are options to choose from.

"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.”
MINDFUL RESOURCES
Support local farmers and safely pick up fresh veggies and fruits!
Chair Yoga Practices

Video resources for calming chair yoga practices. Gentle chair yoga is designed to support immunity and calming response.

Serenity Prayer Meditation

Serenity Prayer breath prayer  presented by Cathy Norman (audio) is a wonderful way to relax and let go.
Breathing Practices by Nancy McGovern

Lion's Breath - 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. 

Starfish Breathing - This is a great exercise to help calm down.
H ere are Six Daily Questions to ask yourself during this quarantine time from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.
CREATIVE CORNER
Please share any pictures, poetry, photos or inspiration with the larger Imagine Well Being community by emailing   imaginewellbeing@crossroadsnova.org.

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.
NATURE and SOUL
ATTENTION HIKERS! Announcement, NOT an Event (YET)
Friday, June 12 , 7-9 am