Dear friends,

We want to share with you our upcoming Days of Mindfulness that are occurring in different parts of Florida over the summer. These practice opportunities provide us with a full day experience to refresh, renew and deepen our understanding of how to live a life of awareness and mindfulness. During a Day of Mindfulness, we practice sitting and walking in mindfulness, mindful breathing, mindful eating, mindfulness in nature, deep relaxation and other practices to increase our capacity to dwell happily and peacefully in the present moment. There will also be a Dharma talk by Fred at each of these days and he will be guiding our meditation practice.

With metta, Angie

Saturday, June 28th in Naples.

A Day of Mindfulness will be held by the Naples Sangha of the Florida Community of Mindfulness on Saturday, June 28th from 9 am until 4:30 pm. The Day will involve sitting and walking mindfulness meditation, guided meditations, a Dharma teaching by Fred Eppsteiner, an opportunity for questions and answers, silent meals, some lazy time and mindful movements. Participants are requested to please respect and appreciate noble silence during the duration of the formal activities of the day. An opportunity for sharing and mindful conversation will be provided towards the end of the day.

To attend this special day, participants must register in advance, as space is limited. Please register with Beth Schroeder by email at awakenedart@comcast.net . Everyone is encouraged to stay for the full day, but if you cannot, please tell us when you register. This event is free and open to all practitioners. However, your generosity in providing a donation or dana for the use of the facility and the teacher is gratefully accepted and encouraged.

What to bring:

• Your favorite meditation seating arrangement (e.g., meditation cushion, blanket, and mat,) if you have them. Some cushions, blankets, benches, and chairs will be available.
• Please bring a brown bag vegetarian lunch for yourself. Water and tea will be provided.
• Your own non-disposable mug or beverage container and napkin, if possible.

Location:

Yolanda Becker’s: 4810 Hickory Wood Dr., Naples FL

Sunday, July 20th in Tampa,

A Day of Mindfulness will be held at the Lotus Pond (see their website for directions) in Tampa from 9 am until 4:30 pm. The Day will involve sitting and walking mindfulness meditation, guided meditations, a Dharma teaching by Fred, an opportunity for questions and answers, silent meals, some lazy time and afternoon yoga with Val. Participants are requested to please respect and appreciate noble silence during the duration of the formal activities of the day. An opportunity for sharing and mindful conversation will be provided towards the end of the day. It is necessary to register for this event in advance by contacting John Daugirda at john@daugirda.com. This event is free and open to all practitioners. However, your generosity in providing a donation or dana for the use of the facility and the teacher is gratefully accepted and encouraged.

What to bring:

• Your favorite meditation seating arrangement (e.g., meditation cushion, blanket, and mat,) if you have them. Some cushions, blankets, benches, and chairs will be available.
• A chef associated with the Lotus Pond will be preparing a vegetarian lunch for participants with a cost of $8.00 per person. Water and tea will be provided.
• Your own non-disposable mug or beverage container and napkin, if possible.

August 9th, Ft. Lauderdale

The Broward Lotus Sangha is pleased to invite you to a Day of Mindfulness in the Tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh led by Dharma Teacher Fred Eppsteiner in Fort Lauderdale, FL From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fred Eppsteiner received Dharma Transmission and permission to teach from Thich Nhat Hanh in 1994. He will be will be offering Dharma teachings and guiding walking and sitting meditations throughout the day. This Day of Mindfulness (DOM) will provide a wonderful opportunity for those who want to deepen their mindfulness practice with time for reflection and silence. A light vegetarian lunch, water, and tea will be provided. This event is free and open to all practitioners. However, your generosity in providing a donation or Dana for the teacher is gratefully accepted and encouraged. Donations can also be made to the Sangha or community of practitioners to help us defray the costs associated with this DOM and to support the activities of the Sangha.

For more information or to register contact info@browardlotussanga.org.

Fall-winter, 2008-09

For future planning, please be aware of the following dates. More detailed information on all these FCM activities will be sent in the future.

Mid-September, beginning of Fall-Winter Intensive

October 23rd (evening) through October 26th (lunch), a three day silent retreat in Tampa at the Franciscan Center

January 3-18, 2009, Sangha pilgrimage to India

February 12th (evening) through Monday 16th (lunch), 2009, four day retreat at Chinsegut Hill, near Brooksville, FL