Caloosahatchee Mindfulness |
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Welcome to 2023! On one hand, we're beginning a new year, on the other hand, January first is simply the day that follows December 31st. Our lives are marked by events, and they flow from one day, month, or year to the next. It is the moments in which we are present that make up our lives. When we fall into habits and non-thinking routines, our lives pass without notice.
We hope that this year we can all take the time to show up in our own lives. We can slow down and let our body, mind, and spirit reside in the same place now and again. We at Caloosahatchee Mindfulness are celebrating the new year with our first annual membership gathering at the beautiful Six Mile Cypress Slough. We would love to see you there! You can read below all about it and other offerings for the new year.
We look forward to seeing you and practicing together!
Much Metta to you!
Maggie
Caloosahatchee Mindfulness Chair
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Caloosahatchee Mindfulness is excited to announce its first annual membership gathering at Six Mile Cypress Slough on January 21, 2023, from 9 am to 1 pm. Activities include mindful movement, guided and walking meditation, a light lunch on the deck, and fellowship.
Parking is limited, and there is a $5-a-day charge. It is recommended for people meet at a nearby shopping center and carpool to the Slough. The gathering will be held in the Interpretive Center, the building you see when entering the driveway. This is a free, members-only event.
Not a member? Now's the chance to join us!
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Mindfulness Practice Opportunities |
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MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION (MBSR) ORIENTATION
Anne Louise Kracmer, LCSW will be offering a free Orientation to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on January 24, 2023. The orientation will be followed by the full 8-week MBSR course beginning January 31, 2023. All classes will take place live on the Zoom platform. Details are available at https://www.caloosahatcheemindfulness.org/EVENTS
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based and intensive 8-week training in mindfulness. It was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in 1979. The course combines systematic practices of mindfulness meditation, body awareness, and yoga with an interactive exploration of patterns of behavior in thinking, feeling, and action. These practices and explorations help participants cultivate attention and emotional regulation skills, helping to reduce rumination and worry. Clinical research conducted over decades suggests that MBSR has potential beneficial effects for both mental and physical well-being.
The MBSR (8-Weeks) consists of eight 2-1/2-hour classes and a 7-hour retreat practice day between weeks 6 and 7. A home practice commitment of approximately 40 minutes daily (on days the class does not meet) is asked of all participants and practice recordings will be provided to participants to guide their home practice.
The free 2-hour MBSR Orientation Class that takes place the week prior to the Eight-Week MBSR course is required. Participants will have the opportunity to decide if they wish to continue with the 8-week course during the orientation class or soon thereafter. Registration and payment for the 8-week course may be made at that time. (Please note that a minimum of 10 participants will be needed so as to have a robust group process.)
Anne Louise has completed coursework through both the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness and through Brown University. She is a Qualified Level 1 MBSR Teacher through Brown University School of Professional Studies.
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R.A.I.N is an acronym for a form of meditation that has been championed by meditation teacher, Tara Brach. The acronym stands for Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture. These steps, when used in meditation, support one's inquiry into the thoughts and feelings that cause dis-ease in one's body, mind, and heart. Through R.A.I.N. practice, one can begin a path toward radical compassion for one's self and others.
This four-week, 90-minute per-session course includes meditation, discussion, and resources.
This course will be held in person at the Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Road, #2, Fort Myers, FL 33919.
The cost for this series is $80 for non-members and $60 for members and is February 1, 8, 15, and March 1, 2023. The instructor for this course is Maggie Stevens.
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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 join us every Wednesday Sangha as we meet 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
We convene for the New Year on Wednesday, January 18th at 10 a.m for our 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
Our first book for 2023 is: Our first 5 Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living by Frank Ostaseski.
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 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,
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With Gratitude to our Community Partners |
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We are so grateful to our Community Partners for their support of mindfulness! |
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Valarie Olsen Counseling & Wellness |
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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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If you love finding meaningful, uplifting quotes and posts on social media, we could use your skills! We are looking for a volunteer to help create inspiring social media posts as part of an upcoming project for the year.
If you are interested, or would like more information, please send our social media manager an email at susanrashley@aol.com for more information!
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