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UID:6a93a78c2a34168648eefeb1d15ca530@mindfulnessoutdoors.org
SUMMARY:Taming the Monkey Mind: A Day of Learning to Manage Distractions
DESCRIPTION:A Retreat of Focus and Stillness by the WaterLed by Lauren Rudy
 \nSpend a day by the water learning to quiet the noise—the endless chatte
 r\, distractions\, and mental clutter that pull your attention in a hundred
  directions. This one-day retreat at stunning Oka Beach and National Park c
 ombines focused mindfulness training with the calming influence of blue the
 rapy—a nature-based approach that emphasizes the soothing effects of wate
 r on the nervous system\, attention\, and mental clarity.\nThrough a gentle
  blend of guided practices\, quiet reflection\, and immersive time in natur
 e\, you'll have space to:\n∿ Notice and gently settle the "monkey mind"
 —that restless\, jumping quality of thought∿ Slow down and regulate you
 r nervous system through breath and movement∿ Feel restored by water's na
 tural ability to reduce stress and sharpen focus∿ Cultivate sustained att
 ention and a calmer relationship with distraction∿ Enjoy a mindful day ou
 tdoors\, free from notifications\, pressure\, or expectation\nWhat to expec
 t:\nWe'll spend part of the day soaking in the shoreline of Oka Beach—wal
 king\, sitting\, and reflecting at the water's edge to anchor a wandering m
 ind. You'll also move through a full Shinrin-yoku (Japanese forest bathing)
  experience\, engaging all five senses in the forest\, and take part in exp
 eriential exercises designed to help you recognize\, name\, and befriend yo
 ur own "monkeys"—the recurring thoughts and mental habits that pull focus
 —rather than fight them.\nThe flow of your day:\n∿ Opening circle\, gro
 up agreements\, and intention setting∿ Grounding meditation and an introd
 uction to the monkey mind∿ Forest bathing: a five-senses immersion in the
  trees∿ A quiet sit spot\, watching the mind at work∿ Mindful lunch by 
 the water∿ Shoreline walking meditation and a teaching on thoughts as wav
 es\, not commands∿ An experiential practice in naming your own "monkeys"
 ∿ Self-compassion beneath the trees—befriending the monkey mind∿ Inte
 gration\, take-home practices\, and closing circle\nIdeal for anyone lookin
 g to get away for the day and reconnect with their own focus—whether you'
 re feeling scattered\, overstimulated\, glued to your devices\, exploring m
 indfulness\, or simply craving space to reset and restore your attention. N
 o prior meditation experience is needed.\nWhat You'll Walk Away With:\nBy t
 he end of the retreat\, you'll have experienced meaningful mental clarity a
 nd a calmer\, steadier relationship with your own mind. You'll leave with a
  clear\, personal intention for managing distraction going forward\, along 
 with simple\, nature-based tools you can use to stay focused and present. T
 he day offers space for reflection\, learning\, and insight—ideal for any
 one feeling scattered\, overwhelmed by noise\, or simply in need of time to
  reconnect with their own attention and the natural world.\nThis retreat is
  designed to be an intentional pause from the busyness of daily life\, allo
 wing you to cultivate focus and presence in a peaceful natural environment.
 \nEvent Details:\n\nWhat to Bring: A small backpack\, journal and pen\, sun
 screen\, a water bottle\, bug spray\, walking shoes\, a hat\, sunglasses\, 
 a rain jacket\, a packed lunch\, and a blanket or towel to sit on. Snacks w
 ill be provided.\nAccessibility: If you have reduced mobility or other acce
 ssibility concerns\, please contact us immediately.\nFee: This is a paid ev
 ent. The fee covers the day pass for the reserve\, the guided meditation\, 
 breathwork and other therapeutic activities as well as refreshments.\n\nA c
 omplete itinerary and preparation checklist will be emailed upon registrati
 on.\n\nMeet Your Guide \nLauren Rudy\, MA\, is a PhD candidate in Clinical 
 Psychology at the University of New Brunswick. She holds a Master of Arts i
 n Educational and Counselling Psychology from McGill University and a Bache
 lor of Arts in Psychology from Mount Allison University. Her research and c
 linical interests include cancer survivorship\, coping with chronic illness
 \, chronic pain\, trauma\, and neurodivergence. She works with adults and c
 hildren experiencing a range of emotional\, behavioural\, and health-relate
 d concerns. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in client-centred care and
  Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). As a Vipassana meditation practit
 ioner with a deep appreciation for nature and contemplative practices\, Lau
 ren thoughtfully integrates mindfulness and practices that foster connectio
 n with the natural world into her clinical work.
LOCATION:Oka National Park
DTSTAMP:20260906T033032Z
DTSTART:20260920T143000Z
DTEND:20260920T193000Z
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