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June 2013     
Greetings     
                 

KohlrabiI am sometimes asked what I mean by "mindfulness". Of course one could describe mindfulness as being aware of the present moment, but perhaps that description doesn't go far enough.  

 

Mindfulness is being aware and awake in the present moment but it is also being curious. A sense of curiosity is a trait that can be nurtured throughout the life span. To be mindful is to be curious -- curious of the busy mind, curious of the  myriad of emotions and feelings that we observe daily, and curious of life as it unfolds around us.  

 

As summertime beckons, so does our ability to practice mindfulness by cultivating curiosity. Here are a few suggestions to get you started: Stop at a farmer's market and buy a vegetable you have never tried before;  examine a flower with all of your senses;  listen to the ocean with your eyes closed; take a walk in the rain; savor a fresh picked strawberry. 

 

Let me know your suggestions for practicing mindfulness by cultivating curiosity (Check out my blog post on culinary mindfulness).  

   

Wishing you a month of mindfulness,  

Pam

In This Issue
Pam's Blog
Meditation Maintenance Schedule
New Labyrinth Emerges in Concord, MA
Meditating Across the Pond
The Stress of NOT Meditating?
Summer Meditation Training
Self-Care Gifts of Renewal
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 Pam Ressler
Pam Ressler
 
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I invite you to read AND comment on
my blog. I write reflections and post links to articles of interest on the intersecting topic areas of resiliency, healthcare, stress management, mindfulness, and life!
 Meditation Maintenance
Meditation Maintenance Sessions 
are a great way to give yourself a monthly self-care "tune-up" by joining with fellow meditators to discuss insights and challenges of your practice.

Due to my teaching schedule the evening session in June will be on the third Wednesday (6/19).

You are welcome to attend each month or simply on an occasional basis. You will find a supportive and welcoming respite in the midst of your busyness.

Come sit with us and share a cup of "tea for your soul". 

Spring Schedule


Evening sessions meet 7-9 PM


Wed, June 19

Daytime sessions meet 12:30-2:30 PM

Fri, June 14

Both evening and daytime sessions are held at Stress Resources' office (97 Lowell Rd, Concord, MA). Please pre-register for sessions as space is limited. 

Meditation Maintenance sessions are $15 per session. Register by e-mail or by phone (978-369-5243).  

Stress Resources and Pam Ressler are on TWITTER    

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for updated resources and links to relevant healthcare articles and research 

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New Labyrinth Emerges in Concord
First Parish Labyrinth
As I write this newsletter in the beginning of June, a new labyrinth has emerged in Concord MA. While not quite ready for labyrinth walkers (new grass needs to fill in a bit more), it will soon be a welcome addition for those in the area to explore.

labyrinth 2 Nestled beneath a mighty sycamore tree in the side yard of the First Parish Meetinghouse at 20 Lexington Rd in Concord, MA;  the labyrinth, designed as a classical 7-circuit pattern, was built entirely by members of First Parish this spring.

I will post an update when the labyrinth is open to walkers. Until then, enjoy some of the photos of the emerging labyrinth.

Meditating Across the Pond: Teaching Mindfulness in the UK
Meditation in the UK
Interest in incorporating mindfulness in  classrooms is not only happening in the U.S.  Other countries, including the U.K., are integrating meditation practices into their school days with positive results in student behavior and attention.
The Stress of NOT Meditating ?
chronic pain
As mindfulness and meditation have gone "mainstream" over the past few years, have we created a new stressor for ourselves...feeling guilty and stressed out for NOT meditating? 

Check out this article from the lifestyle section of the Boston Globe

Summer is a Great Time to Learn to Meditate with a Friend   

Stress Resources offers individual and semi-private training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Sign up for semi-private sessions with a friend and one of you trains for 1/2 price ($200 savings).

  

Flexible MBSR/Private and Semi-Private  Mindfulness Training: This unique option offered by Stress Resources allows the individual to set the pace for training but maintains the essential framework of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction in private or semi-private sessions.

The Flexible Mindfulness Training
:
  • Includes four 1-hour sessions that may be              scheduled in the morning, afternoon or evening to meet your needs.
  • Materials provided include 5 CDs (downloadable to mp3), copy of Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn, training workbook and reference guide.
  • Allows your MBSR training to take place over 8-12 weeks at your own pace and schedule with individualized coaching
  • Add a friend option allows you to learn the skills of MBSR with a friend and train for 1/2 price! (BCBS discount cannot be combined with this special rate)
For more information about Flexible MBSR Training, click here     

 

Self-Care Gifts of Renewal
We all need reminders, small ways of checking in with ourselves throughout the day to bring us back to the present moment. Stress Resources has put together some great tools to help you re-MIND yourself to refresh, renew and relax everyday.
 
Here are some of our offerings.....

NEW Breathe Mugs

What a lovely reminder tBreathe Mugo simply breathe with each sip of coffee or tea.  These beautiful black and white ceramic mugs are designed by Stress Resources and come with a spoon attached in the handle.

Opening the Door to Meditation

CDA gentle meditation CD to help guide even a reluctant meditator into a sustainable mindfulness practice.  Meditations by Pamela Katz Ressler, MS, RN, HN-BC with original music composed and performed by guitarist Louis Arnold.

Breathe+Meditation Gift Set
  Special price on Breathe mug along with Opening the Door to Meditation CD, beautifully gift-wrapped and sent off to a special recipient with a hand written gift card attached.



Handcrafted Stress Resources' Lap Labyrinths  
Yes, they are now back in stock with a limited quantity available! These lap labyrinths are designed and Lap Labyrinth crafted for only for Stress Resources. Our exclusive classical design, with a flat side that nestles close to the body, makes holding a labyrinth on your lap and tracing the path with your finger comfortable and easy.  Labyrinths are popular tools for increasing concentration, promoting relaxation, deepening meditation, for all ages.  The repetitive movement of the hand on the labyrinth often helps to reduce anxiety -- great addition to classrooms, waiting rooms, homes or offices.  Our labyrinths have a hand-rubbed shellac and wax finish that mellows and develops a patina with age and use.

Check out all our products on our secure order page