Mindfulness Book Club

~A Virtual Book Club~

We have selected these wonderful books to start off 2025!

April 23 @ 7pm: Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel by Carl Safina. African elephants, Yellowstone wolves and Pacific NW Orcas are featured. We can continue the discussion on the next evening if the group determines that we want to do so (24th)!
May 29 @ 7pm: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer…a classic, a “hymn of love to the world”.

You must register here to be included on the Zoom.us registration and invitation list. These book clubs are free. Donations to support the efforts of Olympic Peninsula Mindfulness are greatly appreciated-see below…

When possible, buy books locally!

“If you are interested in receiving notifications about our next book selection, please register below and we will contact you then.

Registration: Book Club

If you choose to make a donation for attending the Virtual Book Club, please read on:

VENMO payments are joyously accepted! If you have the app, look for: @Ellen-Falconer

Or submit your payment by check payable to:

Ellen Falconer
427 Washington Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368

You can make a donation through PayPal (No PayPal account necessary – you can just use your preferred credit card on their site) using the “Buy Now” button. Note that PayPal takes out a substantial amount in fee’s.

Quieting reactions

I learned a lot from everyone in the [MBSR] class-the different ways we all struggle. I learned to take time to listen to others; and quiet my reactions.

Andrea

A powerful tool

I have learned so much about myself. I have more control over reactions from situations, and therefore my emotions. Putting away my expectations and being okay with uncertainty, and knowing that I have the option to control my reactions is really powerful.

Stephanie

Inner peace

“I am feeling more inner peace. The [MBSR training] fits everywhere in my life.
It’s absolutely working for me. I love the trust we [the class] have developed together”.

Patricia

Saying “Yes” more

I enjoyed the community of the group and especially the loving kindness meditations. I loved the poems. I learned the “pause” is important and use it daily. I am saying “yes” a lot more to life because of a renewal of curiosity. We learned about this in our meditation teachings.

Linda

Life: easier

I really enjoyed the (MBSR) class. [The teachers] did a fabulous job. I am meditating again after years. It’s so centering. I can focus and calm down. My life has been much much easier. The pause has really helped. Grateful for the compassion meditation.

Liz

Really enjoyed the silent retreat~

The variety of meditations and the different movement exercises made it easier for me to stay focused and release stress. Afterwards I felt more grounded, at peace, and able to see some things in my life differently. Thank you so much!

Steven

Meditation has helped me…

I’ve been able to find calm, and sleep- better than I’ve ever had before! I look forward to future classes with you. It all seems so simple and yet such a hurdle to start, but very do-able. Thank you.

Alyson

So very grateful…

I want you to know how grateful I am for you and your contributions (mindful book club, MBSR) to our beloved community, and for your leadership and accompaniment!

Carla

MBSR Evaluation

My “wandering mind” has calmed over the 2 month course. I can easily identify when I am lost in thoughts about the past or the future. I like this new feeling of my “mind at peace” and this enough incentive to continue practicing.

name withheld

A very special experience…

I really appreciated everyone’s willingness to share their experiences and be vulnerable with the class. It was a very special experience to learn in a group setting. It was exactly what I needed in my life. It was truly life-changing.

-Alyson

I am learning…

that I can be more present with others when I make time to be present with myself. I can choose to be gentle with myself when I notice resistance to [practicing] meditation.

-name withheld

I appreciate…

the active nature of the course- that is, practicing the techniques of meditation to help the participants to enter mindfulness.

– Dan