January Mindfulness Moment

Caloosahatchee Mindfulness

Even without being aware of it, I'm already looking at 2025 with expectations. May the year be kinder, quieter, less expensive, less divisive. The truth is 2025 will be like every year before: some joys, some sorrows, births, and deaths. What I hope to be different is me - the only variable I can control in this world. If I can try

to be aware of my thoughts, perhaps I can head expectations off at the pass.

This month we have a number of offerings to help us with our thoughts and reactions. We hope you will join us for some of these sessions.

Wishing you an awake and aware 2025!

Much Metta,

Maggie Stevens, Chair Caloosahatchee Mindfulness

PS- Keep your eyes open for an interest survey. We would greatly appreciate 3 minutes of your time to complete it. Your input will help us offer what the community is looking for.

Upcoming Events

January 6, Monday, In-Person Sitting Meditation

Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6:30-8 pm

January 11, Walking Meditation Lakes Park

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

January 12, Relieving Anxiety & the Stress Response

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

January 15, Relieving Anxiety & the Stress Response

ONLINE, 7-8:30 pm

January 18, Annual Membership Meeting

Six Mile Cypress Slough, 10 am to 2 pm with lunch following.

Free to members

January 20, In-Person Sitting Meditation

Lotus Blossom Clinic. 6:30-8 pm

January 26, The Power of Skillful Speech

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

January 29, The Power of Skillful Speech

ONLINE 7-8:30 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).

Board Member, 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 January 6 and January 20, 2024, 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.

January's walk will occur at Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Saturday, January 11 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.

Relieving Anxiety & the Stress Response

Have you noticed an uptick in your anxiety level? You’re not alone in that. The U.S. Surgeon General has identified a significant increase in stress and loneliness. Join us as we practice mindfulness and breathing techniques to help us calm our nervous system and feel more resourced and settled.

January 12, In-person session from 1-3 pm at the Lotus Blossom Clinic.

January 15, Online session from 7-8:30 pm

The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

Annual Membership Meeting

Caloosahatchee Mindfulness is excited to announce its third annual membership gathering at Six Mile Cypress Slough on January 18, 2025 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Activities include: 2024 highlights, treasurer's report, guided seated and walking meditation, and more.

This event is FREE to MEMBERS. The non-member registration is $25.

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.

January 26, In-person from 1-3 pm at the Lotus Blossom Clinic.

January 29, Online session 7-8:30 pm

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

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!