Poems have a magical way of bringing us closer to our lives, giving us a new view, a deeper view, and a little more understanding of what makes us tick. Connecting with others over a poem, in meditation and conversation, offers new perspectives, inspires creativity, and is a balm for the spirit.
Drawing on poems from a variety of poets, each two-hour session includes reading poems together, meditation, and exploring how the poems connect us to ourselves, each other, and the wisdom of the Dharma. We'll also be joined by Gail Ford, writer, teacher, poet, and dharma practitioner to teach a bit on craft.
Everyone is welcome. No prior background in either meditation, poetry or writing is necessary. Just bring your curious mind and willing heart. The poems will be sent in advance of each session and there is no homework.
DATES & TIMES
5 Friday Mornings
January 10th - February 7th
8:30 - 10:30am, Pacific
Online via Zoom
FEES:
$195 - $275, sliding scale
Offering fees above the base rate helps make Pacific Mindfulness programs more widely available. Thank you for your consideration!
Pacific Mindfulness is committed to increasing access to the teachings and practices of awareness, generosity, compassion, and wisdom. In this spirit, most of our courses and retreats offer some financial support. We are steadfastly dedicated to offering programs that help protect, support, and expand the well-being of ourselves, each other, and our environment.
Financial assistance is available. Please apply here.
Heidi Bourne is a meditation teacher in the Insight Meditation tradition and is the founder and guiding teacher of Pacific Mindfulness. She has been teaching since 2005 offering classes, series courses, nature retreats, trauma-informed and resiliency-focused professional programs, and teaches regularly for Spirit Rock Meditation Center. She holds certification in mindfulness facilitation from UCLA, trauma resiliency from the Trauma Resource Institute, and is a member of the International Mindfulness Teachers Association. Heidi is especially interested in the integration of the common sense, accessible and timeless teachings of awareness, ethics, and compassion into the complexity of our everyday lives. She is known for her grounded, down-to-earth humor and presence. She has a background in nursing and has been a small business owner in Arcata, California for 35 years.
Gail Ford is a poet and graduate of Stanford University. She has taught for The Writers Studio since 2012 and been the Director of the San Francisco Branch since 2019. Gail currently teaches the intermediate level class in fiction and poetry, and a class on personal essays. She loves writers, talking about writing, and happily welcomes new and continuing students looking for a supportive classroom environment where play and deepening craft abide.
Photos: personal, unsplash.com, Gail Ford
