With Bryan Hindert and Dharma Instructors
Dates
February 24 - March 31
Registration Deadline: February 5
Suitability
FCM members who are new to mindfulness and meditation or would otherwise like to cultivate a greater capacity to dwell in the present moment and nourish wellbeing. (Learn more about becoming a member)
Learn more about FCM's Three Paths
Description
The Buddha taught that to avoid being swept away by habitual thoughts and emotional reactivity, it is helpful to ground our minds in the present moment. When lost in thoughts, regrets, or worries, we disconnect from reality and miss out on the immediacy of life. In today’s world, with its relentless pace and digital distractions, this disconnection becomes even more pronounced. Mindfulness of the body and sensory experience can anchor us, preventing the mind from being swept away by conceptuality.
Once grounded, the mind can begin to settle, which then gives us space to cultivate positive and nourishing mental states. The Buddha emphasized that many of the negative emotions we experience—like stress, irritation, or discontent—stem from how we use our minds. By redirecting our focus, we can proactively cultivate joy, ease, and well-being, laying the foundation for transformation and liberation.
This 5-week Intensive program draws on the teachings of Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and the Buddhist tradition, offering practical tools to ground and nourish the mind. Participants will engage in mindfulness talks, Q&A sessions, mentor-led group check-ins, weekly practice instructions, guided meditations, and assigned readings. These supports will provide direct experience in mindfulness practices and guidance for integrating them into daily life.
The commitments for this Intensive are listed below. Before registering, please read the commitments and reflect carefully on whether you will be able to keep them.
Commitments
- A minimum of 20 minutes of daily formal meditation and/or other practices related to this intensive
- Reading and reflecting on the assigned readings
- Being Present for the 4 Zoom Dharma Talks with Bryan Feb, 24, Mar 10, 24, 31 (Monday evenings, 6:30 to 7:30 - these are recorded for those who need to miss a call)
- Participation in 2 bi-weekly Mentoring Group Zoom calls
- Recorded Guided Meditations will also be offered as a support for participants to utilize if they find it helpful
- Attending all the practice periods of your Sangha during the Intensive, as possible.
Specific readings, group assignments, and Zoom instructions will be announced once registration has been completed.
Fees
The fee for this Intensive is $50. This is a suggested amount and participants are free to offer more or less depending on their individual financial situation - we do not want financial considerations to be a deterrent to participation.
You may pay on-line or send your check made out to the Florida Community of Mindfulness (FCM) to Florida Community of Mindfulness, 6501 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 33604.Registration Procedures
Please read the information below before you click to register.
Mentor Groups
When you register, you will also be asked to indicate your preferences for your bi-weekly Mentor Groups (small groups of 6-8 participants) offered through Zoom. You will be required to score each group as one of the following:
If there is more than one group that will work well for you, please mark all these as “my first choice.” This will provide us with added flexibility in making group assignments. Please have your calendar available when you register so that you can complete this part of the registration process accurately.
Mentor Group #1: Tuesdays at 7:30-8:30 am: March 4th, and March 18th
Mentor Group #2: Tuesdays at 6:30-7:30 pm: March 4th, and March 18th
Mentor Group #3: Wednesdays at 4:30-5:30 pm: March 5th, and March 19th
Mentor Group #4: Thursdays at 7:30-8:30 am: March 6th, and March 20th
Mentor Group #5: Thursdays at 6:30-7:30 pm: March 6th, and March 20th
Dharma Buddies Assignments
Participate in FCM Dharma Buddies Program during the Intensive. Each participant will be assigned a Dharma Buddy. You may request a specific buddy but that person must be in this intensive. You will automatically be assigned a buddy unless you contact Evie Haseman at evelynhaseman@gmail.com with a specific buddy request or a concern. Both buddies must contact Evie for a specific pairing request. More information about the Dharma Buddies program will be provided soon.
Contacts for More Information
If you have any questions about this Intensive program or whether it is appropriate for you, please contact Bryan Hindert at bbhindert@gmail.com. If you have any questions about the logistics of this Intensive, please contact Shelia at intensivecoordinator@floridamindfulness.org.
