10/27/2023
ATTENTION: OFFERING 3 HOUR IN PERSON FALL MINI-MINDFULNESS RETREAT THIS SUNDAY. SPACE STILL AVAILABLE AND THE FALL COLORS ARE AT PEAK.
Hello Everyone,
I am excited to share that I am offering our next in person 3 hour mini-mindfulness retreat, entitled "Meeting Ourselves Well: how courage, wisdom, compassion, and the lessons of autumn nature support the way," on Sunday, October 29th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
Our last mini-mindfulness retreat, which was held this past Sept. 9th from 1-4pm, was Jesse/Center Mindful's first in person retreat since before the pandemic, and the feedback of practicing in a like-hearted community supported by the wisdom and lessons of nature, surrounded by the gardens and koi pond and the larger container of wisdom we have access to, was very positive.
Our last retreat was held on a Saturday and this one is being held on a Sunday for those who may have an easier time attending Sunday offerings.
When: Sunday, October 29th from 1pm to 4pm
Location: At our home in central Montgomery County, PA outdoors as weather permits surrounded by a koi pond water garden and other gardens, including many trees at their peak of fall color, and indoors if weather makes necessary. Address is 1405 Reiner Rd. Eagleville, PA 19403 (for GPS use Norristown)
Purpose: An opportunity for us to come together to co-create a supportive community of like-hearted mindfulness practitioners, to deepen our practice together, to invite our minds and bodies to relax and reset, to experience the benefits of practicing in nature including the wisdom and lessons that can speak to us through nature and the season of autumn.
Agenda: We will have an arriving practice to settle in. We will check in to share our common humanity in the spirit of the three key components of mindful self-compassion: loving, connected, presence for ourselves, each other, and all beings. We will engage in mindfulness talks and practices through sitting, walking, seeing what is visually present in nature in autumn (birds, koi and goldfish, a variety of bees and other winged insects, flowers, berries, trees with fall colors and other plants in autumn, and the elements of earth, air, sky, and water), a mindful eating practice with some delicious fall flavors, and some special activities to access mindfulness through our sense doorways and ways of knowing, including scents and textures. We will also be doing a communal mindful arts activity utilizing some of the items we collect from the gardens that remind us of autumn.
Between the practices Jesse will offer some mindfulness talks drawing upon the three types of courage needed to live life fully and discover true freedom (from Frank Ostaseski "The Five Invitations"), the four rivers of ancestral wisdom from the lifework of cultural anthropologist and Metta Institute teacher, the late Angeles Arrien, mindful self-compassion, and the awareness that nothing is permanent, personal, perfect, or pervasive. We will also hear from each other as our collective wisdom emerges from the group experience.
Investment: $70 per person for the three hour retreat includes a few fall treats for the mindful eating practice. If this is cost prohibitive for you please reach out to me as my goal would be to make this offering accessible to anyone who is interested while space is available.
Note: Maximum of 10 People to maintain a more intimate experience.
If you are interested and would like to register or you have additional questions email me at jesse@jessefrechette.com.
Rain Date: If it rains Sunday, October 29th retreat will be predominantly indoors with the windows and back sliding door open, with the intention of going outdoors if/when the rain breaks.
What to Bring: Dress appropriately as it may be windy and we plan to be sitting outside in the shade. I suggest wearing a sweater or sweatshirt and bringing a light weight jacket as well. Currently, the high temperature is expected to be in the 60s that date. Please bring a journal/notebook or something for some brief writing prompts. You may also wish to jot some things down that you would like to remember that arise from your experience as the afternoon unfolds. You may bring your own water bottle if you prefer, but filtered water and glasses will also be provided. Optional: You may bring a yoga mat in case you would like to sit part of the time on the ground at some point, but chairs will be provided.
Questions: Feel free to contact me if you have questions or would like to reserve your spot.
Jesse Michael Frechette, LCSW
Pronouns: he, him
Mindfulness Educator, Anti-racism Allyship Coach, Facilitator, & Psychotherapist
Founder & Director at Center Mindful
jesse@jessefrechette.com
Website: www.jessefrechette.com
Facebook: Center Mindful
https://www.facebook.com/CenterMindful/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-michael-frechette-lcsw-6a38b857
Thank you for your attention and I hope to hear from you if this offering is something that you are interested in.
Peace & Gratitude,
Jesse
Attaching some current photos from the gardens, which are the setting for our retreat.
