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    • 06 Apr 2024
    • 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
    • In-Person and Online
    Register

    Description

    FCM has Three Paths of Practice: Mindful Living Path, Dharma Path and Wisdom Path. On April 6th, Fred will be offering an all day ‘refresher’ retreat for FCM members who are walking the Wisdom Path, as demonstrated by their attendance at prior Wisdom retreats and/or Wisdom Intensives. 

    Knowing how easy it is to forget the true nature of experience while getting lost in the endlessly appearing world of physical and mental forms, this retreat will offer a much needed ‘reset' for our developing understanding. 


    Logistics

    The retreat will begin at 7:00 am, with a continental breakfast offered after the first session. Lunch, and a light dinner before the final evening session, will also be provided. We encourage all who can to join in person. For those coming from out-of-town, you may register to stay at Great Cloud Refuge on Friday and/or Saturday evenings, subject to availability.


    If you cannot attend in person, you may participate online. The Zoom links will be provided once you register, with guidance to help you make the experience at home as close as possible to an experience in the Meditation Hall.


    The last day to register and pay for this retreat is March 29th- in-person

    and April 2 - online. Unpaid registrations after these dates will be cancelled.


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

    • 12 Apr 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • 14 Apr 2024
    • 4:00 PM
    • In-Person Only
    Register

    with Bryan Hindert and Chris Lee Nguyen


    Are you ready to take the next step in building a foundation of mindfulness to bring greater calm and happiness to your life?


    In the Buddhist tradition, the foundation for the path of transformation is the ability to be aware of what is happening right now, in our immediate experience in both our body and our mind. We often begin with mindfulness of the body and breath or other sensations in order to ground ourselves in the present moment and find some relief from the ongoing ruminations of our mind.


    However, the Buddha taught that to truly transform our suffering, we then need to learn to bring this mindful awareness to what is occurring within our minds. When we do so, we can begin to see our conditioned patterns of thoughts and mind-states as they arise and learn to not be swept away by them. When we turn the light of mindfulness on in this way, we then have the capacity to work skillfully with what is arising.

    In this two-day retreat, Bryan and Chris will share traditional Buddhist teachings and practices aimed at deepening the foundations of mindfulness of body and mind. We will begin the retreat by grounding our awareness in our physical sensations. We will then bring our awareness to shine light upon what is occurring within our minds. The retreat will include "on the cushion" practice periods with guided and silent meditations, Dharma Talks, and time for Q and A. It will also include "off-the cushion" practice instruction and opportunity to bring the teachings into the rest of our days together.

    This weekend retreat is open to those who have participated in our introductory retreat, The Miracle of Mindfulness, or whom have had similar experience in cultivating basic mindfulness of the body and nourishing the mind with the senses and positive mind-states. Instruction during the retreat will be based on the understanding that all retreatants have also had previous retreat experience. Individuals who are new to retreat are encouraged to instead first attend our March 1-3, 2024 "Miracle of Mindfulness" retreat.

     

    Retreat Logistics

    This retreat is in-person only participation at FCM ’s Tampa Center. The retreat will begin with orientation at 5:00 pm on Friday, April 12 and ends on Sunday at 4:00 pm, April 14. Participation is open to both FCM members and non-members.


    The fee for in-person participation is $180 for overnighters and $140 for commuters. The deadline for application for this retreat will be March 17, Waitlist is open. We will notify all applicants by March 18 as to whether or not they have been accepted into the retreat. For those accepted, the balance of the fee will be then be due by March 25, otherwise the spot will be given to another applicant. Please click here to read FCM's Retreat Cancellation Policy.


    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. All retreat dana will go towards supporting the retreat teachers.


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


    Retreat Leaders

    Bryan Hindert has been following the Buddhist path since 2008, when a strong desire to make changes in his life and to develop a better relationship with his mind drew him to the Florida Community of Mindfulness. This path has helped Bryan to transform his life in profound ways and continues to be a source of guidance, support, and joy in all of his endeavors. In addition to helping to develop and lead Wake Up Tampa Bay, a mindfulness and meditation group for people in their 20s and 30s, Bryan has served by teaching classes and presenting on mindfulness and on Buddhism, and leading intensive practice periods. 


    Chris Lee Nguyen has been practicing with the Florida Community of Mindfulness since 2014. Over the years he has received teachings and transmissions in both Mahayana Buddhism and Tibetan's Yungdrung Bön traditions. He is currently studying and practicing the oral teachings of the Great Perfection from the Bön tradition. Chris is also an ordained member of the Order of Interbeing and has completed FCM’s three year Dharma Transmission Program.


    Questions?
    For more information, please contact Bryan at bbhindert@gmail.com.



    • 12 Apr 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • 14 Apr 2024
    • 4:00 PM
    • In-Person Only
    Register

    with Bryan Hindert and Chris Lee Nguyen


    Are you ready to take the next step in building a foundation of mindfulness to bring greater calm and happiness to your life?


    In the Buddhist tradition, the foundation for the path of transformation is the ability to be aware of what is happening right now, in our immediate experience in both our body and our mind. We often begin with mindfulness of the body and breath or other sensations in order to ground ourselves in the present moment and find some relief from the ongoing ruminations of our mind.


    However, the Buddha taught that to truly transform our suffering, we then need to learn to bring this mindful awareness to what is occurring within our minds. When we do so, we can begin to see our conditioned patterns of thoughts and mind-states as they arise and learn to not be swept away by them. When we turn the light of mindfulness on in this way, we then have the capacity to work skillfully with what is arising.

    In this two-day retreat, Bryan and Chris will share traditional Buddhist teachings and practices aimed at deepening the foundations of mindfulness of body and mind. We will begin the retreat by grounding our awareness in our physical sensations. We will then bring our awareness to shine light upon what is occurring within our minds. The retreat will include "on the cushion" practice periods with guided and silent meditations, Dharma Talks, and time for Q and A. It will also include "off-the cushion" practice instruction and opportunity to bring the teachings into the rest of our days together.

    This weekend retreat is open to those who have participated in our introductory retreat, The Miracle of Mindfulness, or whom have had similar experience in cultivating basic mindfulness of the body and nourishing the mind with the senses and positive mind-states. Instruction during the retreat will be based on the understanding that all retreatants have also had previous retreat experience. Individuals who are new to retreat are encouraged to instead first attend our March 1-3, 2024 "Miracle of Mindfulness" retreat.

     

    Retreat Logistics

    This retreat is in-person only participation at FCM ’s Tampa Center. The retreat will begin with orientation at 5:00 pm on Friday, April 12 and ends on Sunday at 4:00 pm, April 14. Participation is open to both FCM members and non-members.


    The fee for in-person participation is $180 for overnighters and $140 for commuters. The deadline for application for this retreat will be March 17, Waitlist is open. We will notify all applicants by March 18 as to whether or not they have been accepted into the retreat. For those accepted, the balance of the fee will be then be due by March 25, otherwise the spot will be given to another applicant. Please click here to read FCM's Retreat Cancellation Policy.


    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. All retreat dana will go towards supporting the retreat teachers.


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


    Retreat Leaders

    Bryan Hindert has been following the Buddhist path since 2008, when a strong desire to make changes in his life and to develop a better relationship with his mind drew him to the Florida Community of Mindfulness. This path has helped Bryan to transform his life in profound ways and continues to be a source of guidance, support, and joy in all of his endeavors. In addition to helping to develop and lead Wake Up Tampa Bay, a mindfulness and meditation group for people in their 20s and 30s, Bryan has served by teaching classes and presenting on mindfulness and on Buddhism, and leading intensive practice periods. 


    Chris Lee Nguyen has been practicing with the Florida Community of Mindfulness since 2014. Over the years he has received teachings and transmissions in both Mahayana Buddhism and Tibetan's Yungdrung Bön traditions. He is currently studying and practicing the oral teachings of the Great Perfection from the Bön tradition. Chris is also an ordained member of the Order of Interbeing and has completed FCM’s three year Dharma Transmission Program.


    Questions?
    For more information, please contact Bryan at bbhindert@gmail.com.



    • 17 May 2024
    • 7:00 PM
    • 19 May 2024
    • 4:00 PM
    • Online Only
    Register

    with Betsy Arizu and Brandy Kidd


    Description

    For many of us the inner critic is a constant companion, a voice that judges just about everything we say and do. The degree of its harshness varies. For some it loudly berates us for our shortcomings and demeans our sense of value as a human being.


    The patterning of the inner critic arises in childhood basically to keep us safe and out of trouble, and is heavily influenced by the kind of parenting we received and our social and cultural conditioning. Over time, having incorporated unskillful and often unkind tactics to manage, correct and motivate us, the inner critic creates in us a limited and distorted sense of who we are.


    Left unexamined and unchecked, the influence of the inner critic can lead to chronic anxiety, self-doubt, and depression, sabotage our relationships and spiritual practice, and thwart our creativity, well-being, and peace of mind. 


    In this weekend retreat we will:

    • Explore the inner critic and get to know the ways it operates within us, including its original positive intentions to protect us 
    • Learn to cultivate a kind, wise, and discerning mind to allow for an open and spacious way of being and responding to the world within us and around us
    • Explore ways to reparent and heal the inner protected or criticized child and invite the inner critic to let go of its outdated strategies and transform its role in our lives to one of support 
    During the retreat, we will draw from the teachings of Buddhist psychology, as well as modern understandings of the inner critic, inner child, and parts therapies. We will use the powerful tools of meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection, along with Dharma talks, experiential practices, and group discussion to gain insight and practice skills to take with us on our path of healing and transformation.


    Retreat Logistics

    The retreat will begin Friday evening, May 17 at 7 pm and end Sunday, May 19 at 4 pm. It will consist of a Friday evening session (7 pm to 9 pm), all-day Saturday (7 am to 9 pm), and a Sunday session (7 am to 4 pm). The retreat will be conducted entirely on Zoom.


    In addition to the weekend sessions there are two optional, yet highly recommended events that are part of the retreat:

    • Retreat Orientation - Wednesday, May 15 from 6:30 - 7:15 pm to answer any questions and help you get the most out of the retreat experience.
    • Post Retreat Session - Wednesday, May 29 from 7:30 - 8:30 pm is an opportunity to share how the teachings and practices are showing up for you in your life since the retreat, and to support you on your continuing journey to transform your relationship with the inner critic. 

    This retreat is open to both FCM members and non-members and is appropriate for anyone interested in learning more about how to transform their relationship with the inner critic. The fee for participation is $140.


    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. 


    The retreat registrar will be sending additional information to registrants before the retreat, including daily schedules, Zoom instructions and suggestions to help prepare you for a meaningful retreat experience from your home. 


    The last day to register for this retreat is May 12.


    Confidential Health Questionnaire

    As part of registration, you are required complete a Confidential Health Questionnaire. In this required form, we’ll share important information about health considerations in attending a silent retreat, and you’ll answer questions about your physical and psychological health. Your retreat application will not be complete until this required form is submitted. This form is confidential and will be disposed of after the retreat.


    Retreat Leaders

    Betsy Arizu became a member of the Florida Community of Mindfulness and a student of Fred Eppsteiner in 2011. She was ordained as a member of the Order of Interbeing in 2015 and has participated over the years in numerous retreats and intensives including a three-year intensive Dharma Transmission Program. Betsy’s background is in counseling, art, mindfulness in education, and organization development.

    As an FCM Dharma Instructor she currently gives talks and facilitates classes, Intensives and retreats for the Mindful Living and Dharma Paths for FCM, and assists with Wisdom Path programs led by Fred.  She also has taught mindfulness, meditation, and social and emotion learning skills in a program for youth at risk.


    Brandy Kidd, LCSW became interested in mindfulness (and subsequently, Buddhism) in her early 20’s after encountering suffering both in her personal life and in her professional life as a clinical social worker. Over the past 30 years, she has done her level best to devote herself to the study and practice of Dharma throughout the comings and goings of life's stages — dating; marrying; raising children; building a career in clinical social work and managing a private practice for the past 22 years; and being present to a large extended family as members move through their various life stages.

    For the past 7 years or so, she has co-facilitated the Naples Sangha and takes much joy in doing so.  


    Questions?

    For more information, please contact Betsy at betsyarizu@gmail.com or Brandy at brandymkidd@gmail.com

    • 01 Jun 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • 08 Jun 2024
    • 1:00 PM
    • FCM Center, Tampa FL

    With Fred Eppsteiner.


    Save the date for this seven-day Dzogchen immersion retreat.

    • 12 Jul 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • 14 Jul 2024
    • 4:00 PM
    • FCM Center, Tampa FL

    With Angie Parrish, Maria Teresa Jaureguizar and David Braasch


    Save the Date

    • 22 Aug 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • 25 Aug 2024
    • 4:00 PM
    • FCM Center, Tampa FL

    With Fred Eppsteiner


    Save the date. All who have taken the Way of the Bodhisattva Intensive with Fred are invited to experience this weekend of formally taking the beautiful and profound Bodhisattva Vow.

    • 20 Sep 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • 22 Sep 2024
    • 4:00 PM
    • FCM Center, Tampa FL

    With Fred Eppsteiner


    Save the Date

    • 04 Oct 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • 06 Oct 2024
    • 4:00 PM
    • FCM Center, Tampa FL

    Save the date for this weekend retreat, suitable for beginners and practitioners of all levels who wish to touch into the nourishing and transformative practices of mindfulness and meditation.

    • 24 Oct 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • 28 Oct 2024
    • 1:00 PM
    • FCM Center, Tampa FL

    With Fred Eppsteiner


    Save the Date

    • 15 Nov 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • 17 Nov 2024
    • 4:00 PM
    • FCM Center, Tampa FL

    Save the Date

Florida Community of Mindfulness, Tampa Center
6501 N. Nebraska Avenue
Tampa, FL 33604

Click below to learn about:

Naples Sangha

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