This weekly extended evening meditation is open to all. The evening will consist of two 35-minute sitting meditation periods, with formal walking meditation in-between. These extended meditation periods offer students the opportunity to deepen their practices of mindfulness, concentration and insight. 

While meditation is occurring Fred offers private interviews in the Center's downstairs Interview Room to FCM members (those who have become Fred’s students) - please visit Membership for more information. Interviews are conducted in the Zen “dokusan" tradition – going alone to visit the teacher. No advance sign-up occurs for interviews; instead, students line up at the back of the meditation hall and the personal interviews unfold, one following the other, as time permits. The length of each interview may range from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the situation. Dokusan pertains to issues that arise in the student's personal meditation practice and their life experiences of integrating the teachings into their daily life, not with intellectual or theoretical matters. 

We encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

If joining us online, the link to Zoom information is found on our homepage where it says Weekday Meditation.

In this online session for FCM members, we will be using our minds, senses and art supplies to do simple projects that deepen our mindfulness. We also will be sharing deeply with others the thoughts, feelings and insights that arise. Each class will begin with an exercise to help us to become centered and then move on to an art activity that will help us to develop the qualities of the awakened heart.

The intention of this offering is to allow people to experience practice in a different way. All sessions will be grounded in mindfulness. These classes do not attempt to teach techniques making art but do use art as a conduit to practice.

Because participants are sequestering at home, materials will be those commonly found around your house. Please join the Zoom call with everything you need 10 minutes before the class so that you have time to settle before we begin.

Beth Schroeder, founder of CAWM, is a lifelong artist and former Arts in Healing coordinator for Naples Healthcare System. She has been practicing Buddhism since 1997, when she took the 5 Precepts with Thich Nhat Hanh at the Omega Institute. She has been a student of Fred and member of the Florida Community of Mindfulness since 2003.  

Sunday Morning Meditation and Dharma Talk is offered each Sunday at the Tampa Practice Center, in-person and online via Zoom for all.

We encourage our members, especially those in the Tampa Bay Area, to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 9:45 am.

The Online Zoom option is available for both members and nonmembers. The link to Zoom information is found on our homepage where it says Sunday Morning Meditation and Dharma Talk.

We invite everyone, especially newcomers to stay for tea following Sunday Meditation and Dharma Talk on Zoom or in-person.

Naples Sangha meets in person every Sunday 6:30-8:30 at The Yoga House (6200 Trail Blvd). 

We encourage participants to experience the richness of practicing together, in person, following our Covid-19 Safety Protocols. These gatherings provide participants the opportunity for sitting and walking meditation, Dharma sharing, and establishing and re-establishing Sangha friendships.

For more information, contact Brandy at brandymkidd@me.com

Please join us!

This weekly meditation group will be held Tuesdays on Zoom and is open to everyone in recovery: AA, NA, Alanon, and other programs. It is also for those trying to spend less time on the internet, Facebook, TV, shopping, etc. Please join us to learn more about the 11th Step (Prayer and Meditation) and how to make it part of your daily life. Meditation is easy to learn and will help you cultivate a rich and rewarding spiritual practice, one that will support you in realizing the promises.

People who practice meditation report reduced stress, greater peace, more clarity and happiness in their lives. They sleep better and have an increased ability to concentrate. These are some of the benefits of adding meditation to your recovery program.

Everybody is welcome, whether you are just starting out or have been meditating for a while. The evenings will be led by teachers with a foundation in both meditation and recovery.

ZOOM: Please join us online five minutes before the start at 6:30 pm.

Video Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86074740220?pwd=Y21yVkhBTjN1Y0RwL042emZjZ0xOUT09

or

Dial-In #: 1-646-558-8656

Meeting ID #: 860 7474 0220

If you have any questions please contact Eleanor at ececil1@verizon.net 

How do we bring the practice of mindfulness and the Buddhist ethical view (right action) into the practical challenges that we all face in our lives? Into our relationships, workplace, societal engagement and more?

The application of these teachings in our daily lives will be the focus of this weekly discussion, guided by our teacher Fred and senior members of the community. Together, we will explore how we can act ethically, wisely and with ease in this turbulent world of ours. In these discussions we can share our views and experiences and, where appropriate, respond to each other using mindful speech and listening. These discussions are intended to be a lively give and take of members sharing how they apply their practice in their lives and where they are stuck.

We encourage everyone who is in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

 

If joining us online, the link to Zoom information is found on our homepage where it says Weekday Meditation.

Fred Eppsteiner

A Four-day Retreat for All Levels of Practitioners

Description

Whether your recent Dharma studies and practice have focused on exploring your relationship to the contents of experience (such as in our current Mindful Living Path Intensive) or looking into the experience of mind itself (as those on the Dharma and Wisdom paths have done), all practitioners can deepen their practice by being on retreat. Retreat gives us the opportunity for extended periods of silence, stillness and focus so that the teachings and meditations we are learning can penetrate more deeply than when we are constantly involved in the ongoing business of our daily routines.

Fred is delighted to be offering all of us the opportunity to retreat together for four full days in June, when he will transmit the Buddha’s teachings and practices of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. These teachings were the foundation of the Buddha’s meditation system and are the basis for living a wholesome and happy life. Learning to be aware and present to both the experiences of one’s body and to the experiences of one's mind is the practice of full awareness.

Those who are newer practitioners will benefit from the four-day immersion with these fundamental practices. Experienced practitioners who may have some experiences with the Four Foundations but who continue to, from time-to-time, be plagued by reactivity and lapses of mindfulness will also benefit by strengthening their base of practice.

In this retreat, we will reflect and meditate deeply on these Four Foundations, and develop realistic strategies for incorporating them in our lives. Whether in relationship to our bodies and minds or the people and situations we encounter, the “how” of entering life fully will be explored in the Dharma talks and meditation periods. Obstacles and challenges to living a mindful life will be dealt with.

As usual, this will be a silent retreat. The silence affords participants the opportunity to deepen their meditative experience while absorbing the experiential meaning of the teachings and practices presented during the retreat. The retreat will include formal periods of sitting and walking meditation, guided meditations, daily Dharma talks, Q&A sessions with Fred, deep listening periods, and opportunities for solitary practice.

Logistics

This retreat is open to both FCM members and non-members and will benefit anyone with meditative experience and who has a desire to experience who they truly are. The retreat will offer both in-person participation at FCM ’s Tampa Center and online participation. THIS REGISTRATION PAGE IS FOR IN-PERSON PARTICIPATION ONLY. Please visit the Online Retreat page if you wish to attend online.

FCM's retreat center in Tampa, Florida provides a beautiful and serene refuge from the noise and business of our everyday lives. Set among our bamboo gardens, walking paths and pond, our center offers comfortable double-occupancy accommodations in our Great Cloud residence hall, nourishing vegan meals and ample indoor and outdoor meditation spaces for personal reflection.

The retreat will begin with orientation at 5:30 pm on Wednesday evening, June 1, followed by dinner at 6:00 and the opening session at 7:15. The retreat will end with lunch on Sunday, June 5. This registration is an application for in-person participation, so no payment is accepted at this time. We will contact you after registration closes to either let you know that an in-person spot is available or if not, to ask if you wish to participate online. Full payment will be due upon acceptance into the retreat.

The fee for the retreat is $320. Retreat Scholarships are available; please click here to see FCM ’s Retreat Scholarship Policy and for an Application, which needs to be submitted prior to the registration deadline for this retreat. The teachings are offered in the Buddhist tradition of Dana, wherein the teachers freely give of themselves to the students out of gratitude for what they ’ve received from their teachers and a desire to be of service. The student ’s response is also based on Dana, i.e. generosity that naturally flows from a sense of appreciation of the value of Dharma and gratitude to the living lineage.

The retreat registrar will be sending additional information to registrants once registration is closed and registrants have been formally accepted for in-person participation.

The last day to register for in-person participation in this retreat is May 11.

Retreat Leader

Fred Eppsteiner has been a student of the psychology of Buddhist meditation for over 40 years, and was a psychotherapist for more than 30 years. He has trained extensively in the Buddhist meditative traditions the U.S. and Asia. He received permission to teach from Thich Nhat Hanh in 1994 and is the editor of two books: The Path of Compassion and Interbeing.

Questions?
For more information, please contact Angie at parrish26@gmail.com.

Fred Eppsteiner

A Four-day Retreat for All Levels of Practitioners

Description

Whether your recent Dharma studies and practice have focused on exploring your relationship to the contents of experience (such as in our current Mindful Living Path Intensive) or looking into the experience of mind itself (as those on the Dharma and Wisdom paths have done), all practitioners can deepen their practice by being on retreat. Retreat gives us the opportunity for extended periods of silence, stillness and focus so that the teachings and meditations we are learning can penetrate more deeply than when we are constantly involved in the ongoing business of our daily routines.

Fred is delighted to be offering all of us the opportunity to retreat together for four full days in June, when he will transmit the Buddha’s teachings and practices of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. These teachings were the foundation of the Buddha’s meditation system and are the basis for living a wholesome and happy life. Learning to be aware and present to both the experiences of one’s body and to the experiences of one's mind is the practice of full awareness.

Those who are newer practitioners will benefit from the four-day immersion with these fundamental practices. Experienced practitioners who may have some experiences with the Four Foundations but who continue to, from time-to-time, be plagued by reactivity and lapses of mindfulness will also benefit by strengthening their base of practice.

In this retreat, we will reflect and meditate deeply on these Four Foundations, and develop realistic strategies for incorporating them in our lives. Whether in relationship to our bodies and minds or the people and situations we encounter, the “how” of entering life fully will be explored in the Dharma talks and meditation periods. Obstacles and challenges to living a mindful life will be dealt with.

As usual, this will be a silent retreat. The silence affords participants the opportunity to deepen their meditative experience while absorbing the experiential meaning of the teachings and practices presented during the retreat. The retreat will include formal periods of sitting and walking meditation, guided meditations, daily Dharma talks, Q&A sessions with Fred, deep listening periods, and opportunities for solitary practice.

Logistics

This retreat is open to both FCM members and non-members and will benefit anyone with meditative experience and who has a desire to experience who they truly are. The retreat will offer both in-person participation at FCM ’s Tampa Center and online participation. 

 THIS REGISTRATION PAGE IS FOR ONLINE PARTICIPATION ONLY. Please visit the In-person Retreat page if you wish to attend in-person.

The retreat will begin at 7:15 pm on Wednesday evening, June 1. The retreat will end at noon on Sunday, June 5. 

The fee for the retreat is $120. Retreat Scholarships are available; please click here to see FCM ’s Retreat Scholarship Policy and for an Application, which needs to be submitted prior to the registration deadline for this retreat. The teachings are offered in the Buddhist tradition of Dana, wherein the teachers freely give of themselves to the students out of gratitude for what they ’ve received from their teachers and a desire to be of service. The student ’s response is also based on Dana, i.e. generosity that naturally flows from a sense of appreciation of the value of Dharma and gratitude to the living lineage.

The retreat registrar will be sending additional information to registrants once registration is closed.

The last day to register for online participation in this retreat is May 25.

Retreat Leader

Fred Eppsteiner has been a student of the psychology of Buddhist meditation for over 40 years, and was a psychotherapist for more than 30 years. He has trained extensively in the Buddhist meditative traditions the U.S. and Asia. He received permission to teach from Thich Nhat Hanh in 1994 and is the editor of two books: The Path of Compassion and Interbeing.

Questions?
For more information, please contact Angie at parrish26@gmail.com.

Please note: FCM Members can access the Death Cafe web page and the Zoom links by clicking here.

This weekly extended evening meditation is open to all. The evening will consist of two 35-minute sitting meditation periods, with formal walking meditation in-between. These extended meditation periods offer students the opportunity to deepen their practices of mindfulness, concentration and insight. 

While meditation is occurring Fred offers private interviews in the Center's downstairs Interview Room to FCM members (those who have become Fred’s students) - please visit Membership for more information. Interviews are conducted in the Zen “dokusan" tradition – going alone to visit the teacher. No advance sign-up occurs for interviews; instead, students line up at the back of the meditation hall and the personal interviews unfold, one following the other, as time permits. The length of each interview may range from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the situation. Dokusan pertains to issues that arise in the student's personal meditation practice and their life experiences of integrating the teachings into their daily life, not with intellectual or theoretical matters. 

We encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

If joining us online, the link to Zoom information is found on our homepage where it says Weekday Meditation.

Sunday Morning Meditation and Dharma Talk is offered each Sunday at the Tampa Practice Center, in-person and online via Zoom for all.

We encourage our members, especially those in the Tampa Bay Area, to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 9:45 am.

The Online Zoom option is available for both members and nonmembers. The link to Zoom information is found on our homepage where it says Sunday Morning Meditation and Dharma Talk.

We invite everyone, especially newcomers to stay for tea following Sunday Meditation and Dharma Talk on Zoom or in-person.

Naples Sangha meets in person every Sunday 6:30-8:30 at The Yoga House (6200 Trail Blvd). 

We encourage participants to experience the richness of practicing together, in person, following our Covid-19 Safety Protocols. These gatherings provide participants the opportunity for sitting and walking meditation, Dharma sharing, and establishing and re-establishing Sangha friendships.

For more information, contact Brandy at brandymkidd@me.com

Please join us!

This weekly meditation group will be held Tuesdays on Zoom and is open to everyone in recovery: AA, NA, Alanon, and other programs. It is also for those trying to spend less time on the internet, Facebook, TV, shopping, etc. Please join us to learn more about the 11th Step (Prayer and Meditation) and how to make it part of your daily life. Meditation is easy to learn and will help you cultivate a rich and rewarding spiritual practice, one that will support you in realizing the promises.

People who practice meditation report reduced stress, greater peace, more clarity and happiness in their lives. They sleep better and have an increased ability to concentrate. These are some of the benefits of adding meditation to your recovery program.

Everybody is welcome, whether you are just starting out or have been meditating for a while. The evenings will be led by teachers with a foundation in both meditation and recovery.

ZOOM: Please join us online five minutes before the start at 6:30 pm.

Video Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86074740220?pwd=Y21yVkhBTjN1Y0RwL042emZjZ0xOUT09

or

Dial-In #: 1-646-558-8656

Meeting ID #: 860 7474 0220

If you have any questions please contact Eleanor at ececil1@verizon.net 

How do we bring the practice of mindfulness and the Buddhist ethical view (right action) into the practical challenges that we all face in our lives? Into our relationships, workplace, societal engagement and more?

The application of these teachings in our daily lives will be the focus of this weekly discussion, guided by our teacher Fred and senior members of the community. Together, we will explore how we can act ethically, wisely and with ease in this turbulent world of ours. In these discussions we can share our views and experiences and, where appropriate, respond to each other using mindful speech and listening. These discussions are intended to be a lively give and take of members sharing how they apply their practice in their lives and where they are stuck.

We encourage everyone who is in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

 

If joining us online, the link to Zoom information is found on our homepage where it says Weekday Meditation.

This weekly extended evening meditation is open to all. The evening will consist of two 35-minute sitting meditation periods, with formal walking meditation in-between. These extended meditation periods offer students the opportunity to deepen their practices of mindfulness, concentration and insight. 

While meditation is occurring Fred offers private interviews in the Center's downstairs Interview Room to FCM members (those who have become Fred’s students) - please visit Membership for more information. Interviews are conducted in the Zen “dokusan" tradition – going alone to visit the teacher. No advance sign-up occurs for interviews; instead, students line up at the back of the meditation hall and the personal interviews unfold, one following the other, as time permits. The length of each interview may range from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the situation. Dokusan pertains to issues that arise in the student's personal meditation practice and their life experiences of integrating the teachings into their daily life, not with intellectual or theoretical matters. 

We encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

If joining us online, the link to Zoom information is found on our homepage where it says Weekday Meditation.

FCM's Days of Mindfulness are offered both In-Person at the Tampa Practice Center and Online. Whether you are a new or experienced meditator, our Days of Mindfulness are an opportunity to support and deepen the practice of mindfulness and meditation, and nourish the seeds of happiness, transformation, and awakening in our lives. All Days of Mindfulness (both half and full day programs) include guided meditation, sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks and reflection. Our full Days (generally 9 am to 4 pm) also include time for lunch and rest, and include guided mindful movement.

We encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 8:30 am.

If joining us online, the link to Zoom information will be provided once you register. We provide guidance to help you make the experience at home as close as possible to an experience in the Meditation Hall.

When you register indicate your choice of participation In-Person or Online.  While there is no fee for participation, the traditional practice of Dana (generosity) is appreciated. Please register to receive important information about your In-Person or Online Zoom attendance.  

If you have any questions please contact Mitch Schaefer at schaefer.mitch@gmail.com

FCM’s Family and Teen Program is for children and grandchildren of FCM members. The Family & Teen Program is committed to fostering mindfulness, understanding and compassion in the lives of our children and their families by providing a safe and mindful environment with activities inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village tradition.

Lotus Buds and Dharma Buds (up to age 12) and Teens (ages 13-17) meet in-person at the Tampa Center with Covid safety precautions in place from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon. Please familiarize yourself with our COVID 19 Safety Protocols. This is a monthly program that we generally schedule on the second Sunday of each month.  

Please contact Cici at cclr33@gmail.com if you would like further information.

Sunday Morning Meditation and Dharma Talk is offered each Sunday at the Tampa Practice Center, in-person and online via Zoom for all.

We encourage our members, especially those in the Tampa Bay Area, to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 9:45 am.

The Online Zoom option is available for both members and nonmembers. The link to Zoom information is found on our homepage where it says Sunday Morning Meditation and Dharma Talk.

We invite everyone, especially newcomers to stay for tea following Sunday Meditation and Dharma Talk on Zoom or in-person.

Naples Sangha meets in person every Sunday 6:30-8:30 at The Yoga House (6200 Trail Blvd). 

We encourage participants to experience the richness of practicing together, in person, following our Covid-19 Safety Protocols. These gatherings provide participants the opportunity for sitting and walking meditation, Dharma sharing, and establishing and re-establishing Sangha friendships.

For more information, contact Brandy at brandymkidd@me.com

Please join us!

This weekly meditation group will be held Tuesdays on Zoom and is open to everyone in recovery: AA, NA, Alanon, and other programs. It is also for those trying to spend less time on the internet, Facebook, TV, shopping, etc. Please join us to learn more about the 11th Step (Prayer and Meditation) and how to make it part of your daily life. Meditation is easy to learn and will help you cultivate a rich and rewarding spiritual practice, one that will support you in realizing the promises.

People who practice meditation report reduced stress, greater peace, more clarity and happiness in their lives. They sleep better and have an increased ability to concentrate. These are some of the benefits of adding meditation to your recovery program.

Everybody is welcome, whether you are just starting out or have been meditating for a while. The evenings will be led by teachers with a foundation in both meditation and recovery.

ZOOM: Please join us online five minutes before the start at 6:30 pm.

Video Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86074740220?pwd=Y21yVkhBTjN1Y0RwL042emZjZ0xOUT09

or

Dial-In #: 1-646-558-8656

Meeting ID #: 860 7474 0220

If you have any questions please contact Eleanor at ececil1@verizon.net 

How do we bring the practice of mindfulness and the Buddhist ethical view (right action) into the practical challenges that we all face in our lives? Into our relationships, workplace, societal engagement and more?

The application of these teachings in our daily lives will be the focus of this weekly discussion, guided by our teacher Fred and senior members of the community. Together, we will explore how we can act ethically, wisely and with ease in this turbulent world of ours. In these discussions we can share our views and experiences and, where appropriate, respond to each other using mindful speech and listening. These discussions are intended to be a lively give and take of members sharing how they apply their practice in their lives and where they are stuck.

We encourage everyone who is in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

 

If joining us online, the link to Zoom information is found on our homepage where it says Weekday Meditation.

At FCM we celebrate the full moon each month with an evening devoted to meditations that help us develop and cultivate the mind of kindness, friendship and compassion towards all beings. During the guided meditation, we will practice embracing ourselves and others with thoughts of unconditional kindness, compassion, and support, and then to extend those feelings with well wishes for peace, happiness and an end to suffering for everyone in the world.

It has long been part of Buddhist tradition to honor and celebrate the arrival of the full moon. Legend has it that Shakyamuni Buddha was born under a full moon, arrived at his enlightenment under a full moon, and passed into paranirvana under a full moon. In Zen the full moon reminds us of our Buddha nature or our essential wholeness and completeness.

Our Full Moon Loving Kindness and Compassion evening will be from 7:30 – 8:45 pm. The evening will include guided loving kindness and compassion meditations, a short talk, and recitation of the Metta (Lovingkindness) Sutra and/or other music and altruistic readings. 

We encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

If joining us online, the link to Zoom is below. The event is suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators. There is no formal advance registration; simply join us online on the Sangha Line shortly before 7:30 pm. 

Zoom Links for FCM Sangha Line
Video Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3296243465?pwd=bUo1aFVQblhhbUFpZmZTci9EK0daZz09

Dial-In # 1-646-558-8656
Meeting ID# 329 624 3465

This weekly extended evening meditation is open to all. The evening will consist of two 35-minute sitting meditation periods, with formal walking meditation in-between. These extended meditation periods offer students the opportunity to deepen their practices of mindfulness, concentration and insight. 

While meditation is occurring Fred offers private interviews in the Center's downstairs Interview Room to FCM members (those who have become Fred’s students) - please visit Membership for more information. Interviews are conducted in the Zen “dokusan" tradition – going alone to visit the teacher. No advance sign-up occurs for interviews; instead, students line up at the back of the meditation hall and the personal interviews unfold, one following the other, as time permits. The length of each interview may range from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the situation. Dokusan pertains to issues that arise in the student's personal meditation practice and their life experiences of integrating the teachings into their daily life, not with intellectual or theoretical matters. 

We encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

If joining us online, the link to Zoom information is found on our homepage where it says Weekday Meditation.