Caloosahatchee Mindfulness |
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Our community was ground zero for Hurricane Ian. Suddenly, the disasters we see on TV which are sad when seen at a comfortable distance were now up close and personal. Chaos. Destruction. Fear. Our nervous systems kicked into overdrive - “Fight or Flee!”
In the storm’s aftermath, we are numbed by the loss and destruction. Some of us have lost our family members, our neighbors, our homes, and our pets. Some of us have lost our livelihoods and ways of life. Some of our communities have been rendered unrecognizable.
Among all this loss, there is something beautiful to be found - community!
Neighbors wade through your house to save valuables for you. Those returning from their evacuations bring needed and hard-to-find supplies back to their neighborhoods. People with power and water open their homes to those without any. Everywhere people are reaching out a hand.
This is who we are: Kind people. Caring people. From the outside, it may seem as if all is unfathomably lost, but Southwest Floridians know we are not lost. We remember our connection to one another, our humanity. The ”God Is Love” sign on McGregor is our pledge to one another. We love our neighbors as ourselves.
May you be safe and protected.
May you be held in compassion.
May you be strong.
May you be held in community.
This body scan may help to calm your nervous system. You can find additional meditations on our website.
Much Metta,
Maggie
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Meet the Caloosahatchee Mindfulness Board |
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Ellen Saltzman was born and raised in Queens, New York City. After getting married, she lived on a communal farm in Pennsylvania for a brief time. Ellen finally settled in Westchester County in NY, where she got her master's degree in social work. She was also ordained as an interfaith minister by the New Seminary in NYC.
Ellen has worked as a school social worker for most of her career. Always crafting and making something, she brought this into her work with high school-age alternative learners. Drawing, painting, cooking, pasting, knotting, gardening, animal lore, nature- all of it became part of her therapeutic bag of tricks. She has two adult children and two grandsons. Ellen's family is an enduring source of amusement, and opportunity for learning.
About 3 years ago while on her yearly winter retreat in Fort Myers, Ellen became acquainted with the Caloosahatchee Mindfulness sangha, and began to meditate with them weekly. Her admiration for the work they do to create love, health, and peace in the community continues to grow. She is so glad to be part of it.
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Mindfulness Practice Opportunities |
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MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION (MBSR) ORIENTATION
An eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course will be
offered in January 2023. The class instructor is Anne Louise Kracmer, LCSW. Free Orientation classes will be offered during the months of November, December, and January. The MBSR Orientation session is required before registering for the full, eight-week MBSR class. It is considered a prerequisite for the series.
These free MBSR Orientation sessions will be offered once a month on the dates listed below.
November 15, 2022 12-2:30 pm
December 13, 2022 9-11:30 am
January 10, 2023 6-8:30 pm
One need only take one of the MBSR Orientation sessions prior to taking the full 8-week MBSR course. The course will be hosted by Zoom. Once a participant is registered, the secure Zoom link will be sent by email.
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Caloosahatchee Rising Tide Sangha's
Midweek Mindfulness
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Sangha is the Pali word for community.
You are invited to attend the every Wednesday Sangha that meets on Zoom for meditation and deep sharing.
This is a great opportunity to check in with yourself and the sangha during the week. So come relax and calm the mind and body, and practice meditation and deep listening together with us.
Did you know that Caloosahatchee Rising Tide Sangha is listed in Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village Global Sangha Directory? Join us and see how sangha can support your practice.
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Mindfulness Book Club
A small group that studies and shares books on mindfulness practices to create a happier and healthier life.
The book club is now reading Boundless Heart: The Buddha’s Path of Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity by Christina Feldman
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 or participants can join for the pre-pandemic fee of $20 a month ($5 a week).
For more information about membership see the membership information below.
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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 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,
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Half Day Meditation Retreat |
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Join us for a Half-Day Self Care Retreat
Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 9 am - 12 pm at HeartSpace Yoga Collective
Yoga mats, chairs, and bolsters are available, however, you are welcome to bring your own mat. You may also wish to bring a blanket, pillow, or cover-up to feel extra cozy. Bring a water bottle.
Dana/Donation basis
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In response to the major property loss of two of our dear friends and board members, Maggie Stevens and Valarie Olsen, Caloosahatchee Mindfulness has established and begun funding a special Hurricane Fund to help provide support for them during this time of recovery and rebuilding. If you would like to help provide financial support, you can contribute directly to this special fund. Click here to make your donation. Please notate that this is for the Hurricane Recovery Fund.
Generosity is one of the most important qualities of mindfulness. It is our hope that you will join us in this expression of generosity, compassion, and
loving-kindness for Maggie and Valarie.
With sincere gratitude for your mindful consideration,
The Board of Directors
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Become a Caloosahatchee Mindfulness Member! |
We invite you to join us in our practice of mindfulness. We welcome you to check out our new and improved website at
You can join us directly from the website,
We look forward to practicing with you. 🙏🏼
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Mindfulness on the Go!
Can't make Midweek Mindfulness?
Need a few minutes to quiet the mind?
Join us on Insight Timer!
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