Mindfulness in Nature--Fire and Ice, with Roger Reynolds

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.

Instructor bio
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.

Details
Dates: Saturday, February 24
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Ages: 12+
Location: Thoreau College Campus, 224 WI-56, Viroqua, WI 54665

Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines

Supporter Level Ticket: $65
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.

Sustainer Level Ticket: $50
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.

Supported Level Ticket: $35
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!