Bundle Up! We will be outside. We will focus on moving mindfulness practices, as we move our bodies to warm up outside in winter. We will also practice mindfulness around a campfire. Nature is dormant, yet the human mind is full of thoughts, as often happens. The quiet landscape, snow and ice, and fire bring us many ways to practice mindfulness and increase our awareness of ourselves and our surroundings.
(If it is below 15F, windy or raining; we will reschedule.)
Mindfulness In Nature is a “Down to Earth” approach to Mindfulness Meditation. We use nature as part of the mindfulness experiences. One can practice mindfulness with a leaf, a branch, a tree, a stone, a flying bird, a fire, the landscape, clouds and more. Gently, we increase our connection to self and nature.
Mindfulness is paying attention to one’s Breath, Emotions, Thoughts, Senses and Surroundings (BETSS) with awareness of Judgments, and without attachment to the moment. Mindfulness is used for many reasons, including stress reduction, better physical health, better mental health, plus improved relationships with oneself and others.
Our time together will include discussions and short mindfulness exercises/practices. We will explore sitting, standing, and moving mindfulness exercises. Everyone is welcome from beginners to the experienced. No judgments.
Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024
(Other Date Options: May 11 and August 10)
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 PM
Ages: 12+
Location: Thoreau College Campus, 224 WI-56, Viroqua, WI 54665
Instructions: Please bring a folding chair if you have one. We will be outside around a fire the entire time, so please dress for the weather. (If it is below 15°F, windy or raining, we will reschedule.) Dress warmly, especially for your feet.
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines:
Supporter Level Ticket: $65
Sustainer Level Ticket: $50
Supported Level Ticket: $35
Instructor Bio - Roger Reynolds
Roger enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping, gardening, foraging, outdoor skills, birding, ecology, local food and fire to name a few. He creates Mindfulness practices that pull from all of his nature-based passions. Roger has been practicing Mindfulness for 10 years. Living with Civilian PTSD, depression and anxiety, Roger credits mindfulness as the foundation of his mental health healing. “Mindfulness In Nature” is a perfect combining of Roger’s experience, passions and creativity. In 2023, Roger became a certified Natural Mindfulness Guide. When leading mindfulness, the focus will be on general mindfulness, knowing everyone can benefit from increased awareness. Roger’s mental health mindfulness foundation comes through in his leading, yet is not the primary focus.
