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    • 04 Jan 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Online
    Register

    with Bill MacMillen and Misti Oxford-Pickeral


    (Now open for registration for both FCM members and non-members.)


    Many of us embark on a spiritual path seeking to live a meaningful and purposeful life--a life of authenticity, integrity and goodness. Aspiration, intention and vows are key elements that empower us on our path.


    Our aspirations refer to the highest and deepest heart-felt wishes we have for our lives, our relationships and the world--our shining north stars, so to speak. Making vows and setting intentions are tangible ways we can channel the energy of our aspirations and infuse them with determination and commitment. These three elements--aspiration, intention and vows--provide direction in our lives, keep us on the path when we are challenged or confused, and help us make wise choices that are congruent with our inner values.


    In this workshop, led by Bill MacMillen and Misti Oxford-Pickeral we will look deeply into our lives to examine, uncover and clarify each of these elements, and learn how to use them in our daily practice. 


    Examining our aspirations, intentions and vows is not a one-time endeavor. We invite everyone to join us for this annual community workshop so that these elements are present for us each of us every day of the year. 


    This workshop is free, offered to anyone who wishes to attend. It will be held via Zoom. Please join us!    



    Bill Mac Millen has been a practitioner with the Florida Community of Mindfulness and a student of FCM's teacher Fred Eppsteiner since 2013. Aspiring to be of service to the community, he is on the Leadership Council overseeing the area of Center Care, a member of Thich Nhat Hahn's Order of Interbeing (OI), and participated in FCM's first Dharma Transmission Program.


    Misti Oxford-Pickeral has been a member of the Florida Community of Mindfulness (FCM) since 2016. She participates regularly in intensives, workshops, and retreats. She is active with FCM's kitchen team and with Sangha Care. Misti is a student of Fred Eppsteiner and took refuge and the Five Mindfulness Trainings in March of 2019 and was ordained into the Order of Interbeing (OI) at Blue Cliff Monastery in April 2023. Misti currently serves on FCM's Board of Directors. She lives in Gainesville, FL with her husband.



    • 07 Jan 2025
    • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • In-Person
    Register

    with David Braasch


    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 Tuesday, January 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Classes will be held in-person. The cost is $75 for all four sessions. If you have questions, please contact us at info@floridamindfulness.org.


    Class Instructors:

    David Braasch has been a student of mindfulness and meditation at the Florida Community of Mindfulness since 2015, where he has taught Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation, Buddhism: The Basics, and Mindfulness for Educators. He has been a student of Tai Chi, Aikido, and is a certified Qigong teacher under Holden Qigong of Santa Cruz, CA.


    • 18 Jan 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • In-Person and Online
    Register

    with Fred Eppsteiner


    Many individuals suffer from unresolved trauma, often based on experiences that occurred much earlier in their life. In spite of years of effort, these unhealed wounds continue to trigger them into emotional reactivity, and thus disturbing their desire for stability and equanimity in daily life. Whether in a person’s emotions, behaviors, relationships or even beliefs, the effects of past trauma continue to sabotage their hopes for a good life.


    Rather than treating the long-lasting effects of past trauma as an individual issue to be resolved by involving oneself in various types of therapeutic practices or processes, Buddhism offers a different perspective. This perspective is not only beneficial for those seeking relief from the effects of past trauma, but helps ensure that one can respond to new ‘extra-ordinary’ events with understanding and compassion.


    Join Fred Eppsteiner for this one-day workshop where he will guide participants through an exploration of how the Buddhist framework can offer new possibilities for understanding true resiliency and resolving past trauma.

      This class will begin on Saturday, January 18 from 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m. Classes will be held in-person and online. The cost is $80 in-person and $60 online. If you have questions, please contact us at info@floridamindfulness.org.


      Registration closes January 10 for In-Person and January 15 for Online.


      Class Instructor:

      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.

      • 05 Mar 2025
      • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
      • In-Person
      Register

      with Nancy Natilson and Didi Dorsey


      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, March 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Classes will be held in-person. The cost is $75 for all four sessions. If you have questions, please contact us at info@floridamindfulness.org.


      Nancy Natilson joined FCM in 2006 and was ordained in the Order of Interbeing five years later. She has facilitated many courses at FCM, including Mindful Eating, Mindful Leadership and Mindfulness at Work. Nancy has served in many roles at FCM, including Board Treasurer, Sangha Care Coordinator, Mindfulness Institute Leader, and Intensive Coordinator. She lives half the year in Seminole Heights and the other half in Nova Scotia, Canada.  She aspires to bring understanding and compassion into all aspects of her life.


      Denise "DiDi" Dorsey has been a member of the Florida Community of Mindfulness (FCM) since 2020. Her impetus to join was to become part of a community that meditated together and followed a path of loving kindness and service. DiDi's community work includes being part of the Flower Team, the Kitchen Team, and the AV Team. 

      • 07 May 2025
      • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
      • In-Person
      Register

      with Bill MacMillen and Dani Hall


      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, May 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Classes will be held in-person. The cost is $75 for all four sessions. If you have questions, please contact us at info@floridamindfulness.org.


      Bill Mac Millen has been a practitioner with the Florida Community of Mindfulness and a student of FCM's teacher Fred Eppsteiner since 2013. Aspiring to be of service to the community, he is on the Leadership Council overseeing the area of Center Care, a member of Thich Nhat Hahn's Order of Interbeing (OI), and assists in leading a number of FCM offerings to both members and guests.


      Dani Hall joined the Florida Community of Mindfulness in 2019 and embraced the Five Mindfulness Trainings in 2021. As an Order of Interbeing (OI) aspirant and Selfless Service Coordinator, Dani actively integrates mindfulness into daily life. With passions for regenerative gardening, creating Florida native wildlife habitats, and developing food forests, Dani embodies a deep commitment to spiritual growth, environmental stewardship, and mindful living.  


      • 07 Jul 2025
      • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
      • In-Person
      Register

      with David Braasch and Dion Hall


      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 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Classes will be held in-person. The cost is $75 for all four sessions. If you have questions, please contact us at info@floridamindfulness.org.


      Class Instructors

      David Braasch has been a student of mindfulness and meditation at the Florida Community of Mindfulness since 2015, where he has taught Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation, Buddhism: The Basics, and Mindfulness for Educators. He has been a student of Tai Chi, Aikido, and is a certified Qigong teacher under Holden Qigong of Santa Cruz, CA.


      Dion Hall began his journey in Buddhism around 2009 with the Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston, attending the center for about two years. He then went on to practice and study independently for several years. In 2021 with a strong desire to be part of a Sangha he joined FCM. He is active with FCM retreat and intensive offerings. Dion is also an avid student of Buddhism and Vedic philosophy. He received transmission of the Five mindfulness trainings and became an OI aspirant in 2023. In December 2024 concluding The Way of the Bodhisattva intensive Dion received ordination and committed to Bodhisattva vows. 


      • 07 Sep 2025
      • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
      • In-Person
      Register

      with Bill MacMillen


      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 Sunday, September 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Classes will be held in-person. The cost is $75 for all four sessions. If you have questions, please contact us at info@floridamindfulness.org.


      Bill Mac Millen has been a practitioner with the Florida Community of Mindfulness and a student of FCM's teacher Fred Eppsteiner since 2013. Aspiring to be of service to the community, he is on the Leadership Council overseeing the area of Center Care, a member of Thich Nhat Hahn's Order of Interbeing (OI), and assists in leading a number of FCM offerings to both members and guests.


      • 29 Oct 2025
      • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
      • In-Person
      Register

      with John McHarris


      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, October 29 and November 5, 12, & 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Classes will be held in-person. The cost is $75 for all four sessions. If you have questions, please contact us at info@floridamindfulness.org.


      John McHarris is a Dharma Instructor with the Florida Community of Mindfulness. He has been a student of FCM's teacher Fred Eppsteiner since 2011. John completed FCM's three year Dharma Transmission Group program, and is an ordained member of the Order of Interbeing. He has Co-led various FCM offerings such as the Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation class, FCM Intensives, and Days of Mindfulness. John is the current Chair of FCM's Board of Directors. Although based in Naples, he's also a part-time Tampa resident; in conjunction with FCM's Residency program.



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

    Click below to learn about:

    Naples Sangha

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