June Mindfulness Moment

Caloosahatchee Mindfulness

And just like that, hurricane season is upon us, and the summer solstice is right around the corner. For those of us in SWFL, summer's sultry heat has already arrived. The weather and the seasons are a good reminder that everything is always changing. The Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, told us, "change is the only constant." How do we maintain our center, remain grounded when everything swirls around us? Practice. Breathe and Practice. We are maintaining our Monday and Friday practice sessions throughout the summer and will begin a new book for the Wednesday book group. We hope you join us. Whether in community or on your own, practice. Practice will allow you to "go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence." (Desiderata)

Much Metta,

Maggie, CM Chair

This article may be of interest: Who Am I?

Upcoming Events

June 5, 12, 19, and 26 Introduction to Mindfulness - Online

6:30 - 8:00 pm Teachers: Maggie S., Christine B., and Gini S.

June 16, In-Person & Online Meditation

Lotus Blossom Clinic, in-person and online 6:30-8 pm

Wednesday's Book Group on Zoom

10 am to 11:30 am

Fridays, Take a Time Out Meditation, with Maggie on Zoom

10-11 am and 5-6 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 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

Join us online each Thursday in June from 6:30-8:00 pm Eastern for a four-week, 1.5-hour per session Introduction to Mindfulness course that includes talks, a practice time (including mindful movement), and a question-and-answer period. Prior meditation experience is not a prerequisite. People who would like a refresher are also welcome for a chance to practice and discuss mindfulness with others. The course includes meditation, discussion, and resources. This course is limited to 15 participants. The fee for the course is $75 for members and $100 for non-members. (Members receive a 25% discount on all offerings!)

We are happy to announce that Gini Smith, Christine Bandoni, and Maggie Stevens, all trained by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach in the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program, will facilitate this course. They are thrilled to teach together!

This course will be online, accessible from anywhere in the world. Click on the link to register. https://bit.ly/43zDiob

Sangha Sitting Meditation

Caloosahatchee Mindfulness will hold an in-person and online 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 session will be on June 16, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. It will be held at the Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd #2, Fort Myers, (corner of Winkler & Cypress Lake Drive)

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 begin a new book on June 11. The book, Mindfulness as Medicine: A Story of Healing Body and Spirit, Sister Dang Nghiem is the author of the critically acclaimed Healing: A Woman’s Journey from Doctor to Nun, a Buddhist nun, a motivational speaker, and an inspiration for anyone who has ever dealt with severe illness or chronic pain. She was a practicing doctor at UCSF Medical Center before she became a Zen Buddhist nun in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. In 2011, she contracted Neuro-Lyme Disease, which affected both her physical and cognitive functioning. Using mindfulness practices, she has had what doctors termed a "miraculous" recovery. She continues to successfully manage her illness and pain with mindfulness practice. Sister Dang Nghiem lives in Magnolia Grove Monastery, outside Batesville, Mississippi.

The 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!