Previous Programs

Summer Mindfulness by the Sea (Drop in or sign up for full 10 weeks)

Wednesdays 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm, June 6- August 15

Consistent mindfulness practice can reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, while promoting resilience, self awareness and empathy.  Perhaps you've already heard this and want to see what it is all about, or maybe you are looking to deepen your skills. Beginners and seasoned practitioners to mindfulness meditation welcome!

Drop-in and practice in a supportive group in the seaside setting of Contemplative Insights, LLC located at Mercy by the Sea. Sessions are co-facilitated with Kimberly Ruggiero.  To register please email dana@contemplativeinsights.com, or call Kim at (203) 710-5502. We charge $15/ session or a reduced rate of $135 for the full 10 weeks.

Kim Ruggiero is a long time meditator.  She works as a transformational coach and artist.  She has a B.S. in Chemistry and a M.A. in Consciousness Studies and studied at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Art.  Kim has trained in MBSR and is certified through the Engaged Mindfulness Institute.

Mindfulness Meditation for Teens (14-18) - FREE

Sundays 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm  (through June 17)

Teens are facing more stress and are busier than ever.

Do you know a teen interested in learning more about mindfulness and meditation? Or, wants to slow down? During these short one-hour mostly outdoor sessions we will practice basic mindfulness meditations (sitting, walking, body scan). Teens will experience guided practices, while learning skills and how to develop a mindfulness mindset.   Sessions are held at Contemplative Insights, LLC located at Mercy by the Sea.

To register, email dana@contemplativeinsights.com, or call (203)738-9096.  Parent/guardian waiver needed before participation.

Seaside Mindfulness for Therapists

Sundays 4:30-5:45 pm,  (January 6, 13, 20, 27)

Offering a 4 part series for therapists who wish to deepen their personal mindfulness practice.  During our sessions we will practice informal and formal meditation, while discussing themes of self care, compassion, managing stress and overwhelm, and enhancing personal practice. 5 CECs approved through CT/ NASW.  The cost is $150 for the series, and includes handouts, CEC certificate and light refreshments. To register, email dana@contemplativeinsights.com.

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of the program, participants will be able to:

1)  Engage in informal and informal meditation practices, and identify practices that work for their personal lifestyles.

2)  Identify signs of personal stress and burnout, and learn practices that support self compassion, and self care.

3)  Identify and understand the differences between empathy and compassion, and learn how to apply this knowledge in their therapeutic practices.

4)  Re-energize personal mindfulness practices, by engaging with a community of practitioners, and identifying resources for ongoing support and learning.

Discussion Group for Beginning Therapists

Explore aspects of the human experience (presence, belonging, vulnerability, suffering) in a supportive, small group setting with other new therapists. We will draw from the works of Daniel Siegel, Thich Nhat Hanh, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Thomas Ogden, Irvin Yalom, and Brene Brown (among others), as we do a deep dive into our work as therapists. Weekly readings available. Open to therapists with less than 5 years experience.