February Mindfulness Moment

Caloosahatchee Mindfulness

We're already into the second month of the new year! Maybe like me, you would like to create a little sanctuary of quiet space for yourself. Researchers say most New Year's resolutions are in the trash bin by now. The good news is it is never too late to begin again. . . that is actually the subtitle of mindfulness - bringing our attention back, again and again after we've drifted away. We invite you to join us in some of our ongoing activities: walking or sitting meditations, the book group, or a time out on Fridays.

You may also find this article to be of benefit: Respite

If you haven't already, we would greatly appreciate three minutes of your time to complete a survey to help us plan offerings for 2025.

https://forms.gle/LdSB1YkBp4hftwV7A

Thank you for your help!

Much Metta,

Maggie Stevens, Chair

Caloosahatchee Mindfulness

Upcoming Events

There will be no Friday Time-Out on February 6 or February 14

February 3, Monday, In-Person Sitting Meditation

Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6:30-8 pm

February 8, Walking Meditation Lakes Park

9-9:30 am Lakes Park, Gather by the gardens at 8:45 am

February 17, In-Person Sitting Meditation

Lotus Blossom Clinic. 6:30-8 pm

March 24, The Power of Skillful Speech

IN-PERSON at Lotus Blossom Clinic, 1-3 pm

See the Caloosahatchee Mindfulness Website for details!

What Else is Happening?

You can check out guided meditations and talks by our Board Chair on the free app, Insight Timer at Maggie Stevens (insighttimer.com).

Community Partner Valarie Olsen is teaching yoga at Ritual Space. You can find out more about the services she offers at this link: Schedule an Appointment with Valarie Olsen Counseling & Wellness, LLC (acuityscheduling.com)

Community Partner Lotus Blossom Clinic hosts our sitting meditation. They also have a variety of offerings. Check out their calendar - Events | Lotus Blossom Clinic

Please visit our website for our cancellation, refund and credit policy.

Mindfulness Practice Opportunities

Sangha Sitting Meditation

Caloosahatchee Mindfulness will hold an in-person sitting meditation session on the 3rd Monday of each month. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome. The session will include sitting and walking meditation, and a post-meditation discussion. Chairs and cushions are provided. A dana (offering) of $5 is requested to help defray the cost of space rental.

The next sessions will be on February 3 and February 17, 2025, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. It will be held at the Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd #2, Fort Myers, (corner of Winkler & Cypress Lake Drive)

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.

February's walk will occur at Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Saturday, February 8 at 9:00 a.m. We will meet near the parking lot and restrooms. Join us at 8:45 a.m. for warm-up and orientation, and the walk will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. We will walk through the park on the walking paths.

The parks chosen have some shade and restrooms. Be sure to bring sun protection and water.

The Power of Skillful Speech

Conversations have become more heated than ever. We seem to have divided the world into two camps: us and them. A part of the Eightfold Path is Right or Skillful Speech can help us see past this divide. Join us in this session where we learn and practice techniques and practices to turn down the volume and take some of the heat from our interactions. This doesn’t mean we will agree, but we can learn to disagree agreeably.

March 24, In-person from 1-3 pm at the Lotus Blossom Clinic.

The class is $20 for members, $25 for non-members

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

We are reading a new book Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart: A Buddhist Perspective on Wholeness by Mark Epstein, M.D. An intimate guide to self-acceptance and discovery that offers a Buddhist perspective on wholeness within the framework of a Western understanding of self.

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.

Friday Time Out

There will be no Friday time out on February 6 and February 14th.

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,

or email caloosahatcheemindfulness16@gmail.com. You can also register on our website and receive the link directly. www.caloosahatcheemindfulness.org.

With Gratitude to our Community Partners

We are grateful to our Community Partners for their support of mindfulness!