Do you live in your thoughts about the past or worries about the future? Do your emotions often cause stress and confusion? Do you get carried away by dramas.

Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation is a four-week course designed to support the practice of mindfulness, helping us develop the skills and attention to be fully present to our lives in the present moment, and to touch each moment deeply. It is intended for those new to mindfulness and meditation, as well as for those who want to review the basics and establish a more consistent daily mindfulness and meditation practice. The course includes basic instruction as well as an exploration of practical ways to bring mindfulness into daily activities.

Learning Objectives:

• Systematically explore mindfulness of breathing, the body and physical sensations through sitting and walking meditation and the body scan practice.
• Establish and maintain a daily meditation practice.
• Practice mindful meditation to explore the emotions, thoughts, and overall awareness.
• Apply mindfulness to difficult emotions and thoughts to avoid getting caught up in dramas.
• Cultivate daily meditation and mindfulness practices so that mindfulness becomes an integral part of your daily life.

This four-week course will begin on Wednesday, July 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Classes will be held in-person and online. The cost is $75 for all four sessions. If you have questions, please contact us at info@floridamindfulness.org.

Class Instructors:

Jacqulyn Schuett stepped on the Path of Dharma in 1999 when she visited Plum Village for her first retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh. The sign at the entrance, ‘You Have Arrived,’ foreshadowed the sense of home she felt in the intimate environment of this small retreat. Her study with Fred Eppsteiner, through retreats and Intensive studies, began shortly thereafter. In 2015 she was ordained into the Order of Interbeing (OI) and provides support for both the Tampa Practice Center and the St. Petersburg Friends on the Path. Jacqulyn also serves as a mentor and leader of introductory classes.

Mitch Schaefer joined the FCM community in 2016 where he has become an active member- regularly participating in retreats, intensives and selfless service work. Over the past 10 years Mitch has successfully utilized mindfulness and meditation practices to support his healing from a significant spinal cord injury that resulted in multiple surgeries and lingering chronic pain. Mitch took refuge in the 5 Mindfulness Trainings in 2018, and is presently an aspirant for the Order of Interbeing.