Greetings
 Summertime...of all the seasons summer may be the one most embedded in memories of a purely mindful time in our lives. Perhaps you remember a smell, a song, a taste that is truly the essence of summer for you. The poet Mary Oliver shares her "summer" with us in her poem, The Summer Day (listen to Mary Oliver reading her poem).
What whispers "summer" to you? Perhaps it is a grasshopper, as it is with Mary Oliver; or the song of the cicadas on a hot, humid day; lightning bugs as day turns to night; or a rapidly melting blue raspberry Popsicle from the ice cream truck. Whatever it is that whispers to you, savor this time of "re-minding" ourselves of the slower and pace that summer brings.
Wishing you the mindful joys of summer,
Pam
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ARE YOU ON FACEBOOK?
Stress Resources has an active Facebook Page with frequent links to articles, research and events related to resiliency, mindfulness and stress management.
"LIKE US" today!
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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!
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Meditation Maintenance
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 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.
We will not be holding Meditation Maintenance Sessions in August. September will bring two special events instead of our usual sessions -- see full descriptions in this newsletter.
In October, we will resume our usual schedule of 2nd Wednesday (evening) and 2nd Friday (afternoon) Meditation Maintenance Sessions.
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.
Fall Schedule
Evening sessions meet 7-9 PM
No August Session
Wed, Sept 4 Special Event: Himalayan Singing Bowls Metta Meditation with Kimberlee Moore Pre-registration and pre-payment is required by Aug 26 ($25 pp)
Wed, Oct 9
Wed, Nov 13
Wed, Dec 11
Daytime sessions meet 12:30-2:30 PM
No August Session
Fri, Sept 6 Special Event: Labyrinth and Farm to Table Lunch at Fat Moon in Westford (11:30-2:30) Pre-registration and prepayment is required by Aug 26 ($30 pp)
Fri, Oct 11
Fri, Nov 8
Fri, Dec 13
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).
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Stress Resources and Pam Ressler are on TWITTER
Follow @pamressler
and @stressresources
for updated resources and links to relevant healthcare articles and research
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Himalayan Singing Bowls and Metta Meditation
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 I am looking forward to hosting a special evening of meditation on Wednesday, September 4 from 7-9 PM with Kimberlee Moore, acupuncturist and sonic therapist. Kimberlee will lead a meditation session filled with the beautiful sounds of singing bowls. Learn how sound meditation can play a role in reducing stress and increasing focus. Cost is $25 per person. Preregistration is strictly limited to 10 participants and must be made by August 24. Find out more by clicking here |
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Mindfulness 2.0
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 I was recently asked to contribute my thoughts about mindfulness in the workplace for Comprehensive EAP. I titled my piece Mindfulness 2.0 to acknowledge the intersection of the digital workplace environment and the human qualities of mindfulness and awareness. Is there a place for mindfulness in the modern workplace? I would love to hear your comments. Read Mindfulness 2.0 |
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Labyrinth and Farm-to-Table Lunch
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Treat yourself to a special day by joining fellow meditators and those interested in labyrinths and local sourced food at Fat Moon at Meadowbrook Farm in Westford on Friday, Sept 6 from 11:30-2:30.
We will walk the seasonally planted labyrinth and then enjoy a deliciously prepared farm-to-table vegetarian lunch made from the bounty of the harvest at Fat Moon. Our menu will include:
Carrots, beets, broccoli, dark greens, & tofu over short-grain brown rice with Ginger Nama Shoyu Sauce followed by a simple dessert or fresh fruit.
You may choose to meet us at the farm or carpool from the Stress Resources office in Concord.
Cost is $30 pp. Preregistration and prepayment is necessary by August 24.
Read more or register by clicking here.
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The new First Parish Labyrinth in Concord, MA
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 The July Meditation Maintenance Groups had the opportunity to be some of the first to walk the newly installed labyrinth at First Parish Church in Concord, MA. After walking the labyrinth we traveled down the rear steps and spent some time in the lovely Deborah Greeley herb garden behind the church to round out our meditation experience. Thank you to Meditation Maintenance group members for sharing a their reflections after walking the labyrinth: "The fact that the path within the labyrinth is slightly unusual made the experience unique. The planting and the benches nearby are lovely. The fragrant herb garden was spectacular. Thank you so much for introducing me and the other members of the meditation maintenance group to such a valuable and accessible resource for serenity in Concord."~WS "What a wonderful day it was to forget our problems for awhile during our meditated walk on the new labyrinth in Concord with fellow meditators and our awesome leader Pam. To top that off we walked to the herb garden and was able to touch, smell and see a vast array of beautiful herbs."~GK
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Register Now for the Fall Group MBSR Program
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 Registration is now open for the popular Stress Resources' Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program taught by Pam Ressler in Concord MA. Fall sessions begin on Sept 26 and Sept 27. Both Thursday evening and Friday morning sessions are available. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (or MBSR) has become the gold standard of evidence based stress management programs nationally and internationally. Based on training in mindfulness techniques and experiential learning, MBSR was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1979. Since that time thousands of individuals have benefited from the program. The MBSR program is 8 weeks in duration, meeting once a week for two hours. Home practice is an expectation and CDs, text and materials are included in the course fee. Additionally, health care professionals are able to earn continuing education credit by participating in the program for their own stress management needs. Class size is limited to 16 students in each session. To learn more about the program or to register, click here.
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Flexible Mindfulness Training
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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 sch
 eduled 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)
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Self-Care Gifts of Renewal
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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 t  o 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  A 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  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
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