[FCM-news] Florida Community of Mindfulness

[Andrew Solis]

FLORIDA COMMUNITY OF MINDFULNESS

 

Dear Sangha, 

On behalf of the Board of Directors, allow me to wish each and every one of
you a Happy New Year.  2006 has been a wonderful year of Dharma teaching
offering us a variety of opportunities for practice. It has also been a year
of change for the Naples Community of Mindfulness, now called the Florida
Community of Mindfulness.   Our teacher's relocation to St. Petersburg has
challenged the Naples Sangha to more fully engage in the living practice of
"Sangha" and to learn to direct itself.  The Dancing Waters Sangha in Tampa
has found a permanent home at the Lotus Room and has welcomed Fred with open
arms.  During the past year we have welcomed many new members from Miami to
North Carolina.

 As the New Year approaches, FCM and its local sanghas continue with their
schedule of weekly practice, retreats and days of mindfulness.  FCM's annual
retreat for 2007 will begin on January 11, 2007 at the Franciscan Center in
Tampa, Florida.  In March, we have organized a retreat at the Franciscan
Center with renowned teachers and authors, Martine and Stephen Batchelor.
Lastly, many members are active participants in the 6 month intensive
practice period, "Deconstructing the Myth of Self."  In all, we have had a
very full year dedicated to the practice of Engaged Buddhism.  Of course,
behind all of these activities is Fred, our teacher and friend, both
lighting the way and urging us on as we together walk the path of awakening.
Fred is now dedicating himself full time to the Sangha and his Dharma
teaching activities. 

            Shortly, in the New Year, the Board of Directors will begin its
budgeting process and planning of retreats and events for 2007.  FCM
functions and supports our teacher through membership dues and "dana."  Dana
is the Sanskrit word for generosity and is a fundamental practice in our
tradition.  It is the practice of selfless giving that helps us to develop
an open and unbounded heart.  In the coming year the Board will seek to
increase its support for Fred and provide more opportunities for our
community to enrich itself through the practice of Dharma. For example, the
Board will be considering a second annual retreat, various one and two day
retreats held by the local Sanghas, and additional guest teachers.  Please
consider supporting FCM with an additional donation prior to the year's end
so that it can continue to increase our support for Fred and provide more
opportunities for the Sangha to deepen its practice.  FCM is recognized by
the IRS as a 501(c)3 tax exempt, religious organization and any donations
made are entirely tax deductible.  Any donation in excess of $250.00 will be
acknowledged with a letter confirming the donation.  Donations can be mailed
to Florida Community of Mindfulness, Inc., P.O. Box 111465, Naples, Florida
34108.

            We wish you a very happy and peaceful New Year, and look forward
to sharing the practice with you in the coming year.  

 

In the Dharma,

 

Andy Solis

            

 

 

 

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