Caloosahatchee Mindfulness |
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It's possible we will feel remnants of last year's devastating hurricane, Ian, this month. A year ago, our community was devastated. Many are still dealing with Ian's aftermath. We know that we can't go back to "the way it was before." We can only go forward and onto our new reality, but that doesn't change what may arise in our minds, hearts, and bodies. This is where our practice can help us. We can be aware that, "right now, it feels like this." We can remember that this too will change. We can choose to notice and be gentle with ourselves. In this month's newsletter, you will find ways to help calm your body and spirit. As the weather cools we will again have walking meditations in the park beginning in October! We hope to see you!
Much Metta,
Maggie
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October 4 - Mindful Art at BTB Artists' Studio with Vicki Durso,
7:00 to 9:00 pm
October 14 - Walking Meditation at Lakes Park with Valarie Olsen,
9:00 to 9:30 am
October 18 - Drawing from Nothing: An Introduction to Yoga Nidra at Lotus Blossom Clinic with Jamie Verley, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
November 11 - Walking Meditation at Jaycee Park with Valarie Olsen,
9:00 to 9:30 am
November 18 - Half Day Retreat at Six Mile Cypress Slough, 10 am to 3 pm
December 9 - Walking Meditation at Lakes Park with Valarie Olsen,
9:00 to 9:30 am
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Mindfulness Practice Opportunities |
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Mindful Art
Free-flowing meditative art practice with mindful drawing using Neurographic Art is a beautiful meditative process based in mindfulness. It is a simple drawing technique that bypasses the rational thinking mind and reaches deeply into the mind. Your unconscious, ordinarily inaccessible, is opened up. New neural networks are formed in the brain.
Neurographic Art is a simple way to work with the unconscious mind through drawing and a creative way to practice mindfulness. The art technique was created by Russian psychologist, creativity entrepreneur, and architect Pavel Piskarev in 2014.
2-hour mindful drawing session; all supplies are included to complete one drawing. You may bring a journal for thoughts that come up during the practice.
This course is taught by Vicki Durso. Vicki is certified in yoga and the art processes of Neurographica and Zentangles. She holds a Master's degree in psychology. Vicki shares: "As an artist and art teacher, I am passionate about mindfulness. In my personal mindfulness practice, I use intuitive art, Neurographic Art, and Zentangle to help ground into the present moment. My teaching style is free-flowing, creative, non-judgemental, accessible, and inclusive. I am dedicated to making a difference in people's lives through healing practices that connect the mind, body, breath, and creativity. "
This workshop will be held at the Behind the Buddha (BTB) Artists' Studio located at 9290-1 College Parkway which is in the shopping center on the corner of McGregor and College Parkway. The cost is $30 for members and $40 for non-members.
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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.
We welcome you to join us at local parks for Mindful Walking on the second Saturday of the month from 9:00 - 9:30 am. We have planned the walks for the remainder of 2023, Oct, Nov, and Dec. We will announce the 2024 schedule later in the fall.
The parks chosen have some shade and restrooms. Be sure to bring sun protection and water.
October's walk will be at Lakes Park (7330 Gladiolus Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33908) on Saturday, Oct 14 at 9:00 am. Meet in front of the Community Gardens at 8:45 am for warm-up and orientation, the walk will begin promptly at 9 am. We will do our walking meditation through the Fragrance Garden.
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Draw From Nothing: An Introduction to Yoga Nidra
Life today includes a slew of endless activities, choices, and stressors, which can leave us feeling profoundly depleted by lunch! Yoga Nidra, or the practice of "yogic sleep," is a mindfulness practice that manages to yoke the power of the body's natural sleep cycles with embodied awareness for a deeply restful and impactful experience. Not only can a regular practice create the environment for restorative rest and improved stress response, but Yoga Nidra is an essential support for healing, transforming unhelpful patterns, and developing an effortless foundation for deeper spiritual connection. Join Jamie Verley for an interesting exploration of the ancient intention and modern scientific methodology behind this seminal system of rest, followed by an hour-long practice experience. Some props are available but you may wish to bring some of your own. You will need a yoga mat, a neck pillow or blanket, a light eye covering (not an eye pillow), and 2-3 additional blankets or bolsters for your comfort and warmth. To support your experience, please avoid caffeine and heavy meals in the morning/afternoon of the workshop.
Jamie Verley started her yoga journey in 2008, after many years of friends suggesting she “try yoga!” She fell in love with the peace, strength, and growth she found in a regular studio practice, and in 2017, completed her first yoga teacher training program with Yoga Bird in Fort Myers so she could share the experience with others. She furthered her studies with Ayurveda, ancient India’s medical and wellness system, and Yoga Nidra, a form of deeply relaxed meditation. She has since completed an additional 300 hours of teacher training, is a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP) for teachers, and is a teacher training lead facilitator. She is passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive environment for her students to learn and explore so they’re empowered to find their own growth and wellness through the traditions of Yoga, Nidra, and Ayurveda, and offers classes, workshops, and private sessions to meet students where they are.
Draw From Nothing: An Introduction to Yoga Nidra will be held on October 18th from 6:30-8:30 pm at Lotus Blossom Clinic. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.
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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 tonight, Wednesday, March 8th for Sangha as we meet on Zoom for meditation and deep sharing. Beginning on March 15, we will gather in person for 8 weeks at Lotus Blossom Clinic. 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
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
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.
For more information about membership see the membership information below.
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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,
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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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"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society |
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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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