Emerald Coast Meditation Society

06/09/2026

Following meditation in the beautiful Zen garden of the Destin Library, Felicia Crawford shared reflections of her recent 21 day personal retreat at the Magnolia Grove Monastery in Mississippi. We are deeply grateful to Felicia for sharing her personal journey with our community by reminding us that every step, every breath, and every moment offers an opportunity to come home to the present moment.

ECMS meets in the garden for sitting and walking meditation on the second Tuesday of each month at 9:00 - 10:30 AM. Meditators at all levels are welcomed to this free and nonsectarian event.

For further information about ECMS, please contact Dianne Kinsey at: [email protected]

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

🌿 Meditation in the Zen Garden with Felicia Crawford 🌿

Tuesday, June 9th | 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Destin Library Japanese Garden

Join us for a peaceful morning of meditation, mindful community, and inspiring reflection in the beautiful garden of the Destin Library, which is coming alive with the colors and vitality of early summer.

We are delighted to welcome back longtime ECMS member Felicia Crawford, author of Virtues of Divinity and psychotherapist of the soul. Felicia will share reflections and insights from her recent self-retreat at Magnolia Grove Monastery in Mississippi. Her experiences of silence, contemplation, and spiritual practice promise to offer inspiration for anyone seeking greater peace, clarity, and connection.

The morning will include:
🧘 Silent meditation
🌿 Walking Meditation in the Garden
💬 Felicia’s reflections from her monastery retreat
🤝 Community sharing and discussion

Please bring:
• A folding chair or yoga mat
• A bottle of water
• Insect repellent if desired

In case of rain, we meet indoors.

Whether you are new to meditation or a longtime practitioner, all are welcome. Come nourish your spirit, enjoy the beauty of nature, and reconnect with a supportive community of mindful friends.

We look forward to sharing this special morning with you.
For further information about the Emerald Coast Meditation Society, contact Dianne Kinsey at: [email protected]

05/30/2026

CHANT OF COMPASSION WITH WHITNEY DAVIDSON

ECMS VIRTUAL GATHERING ON THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026
6:30 - 8:00 CST

ECMS is delighted to welcome back Whitney Davidson, a longtime member of ECMS and one of our beloved teachers.

Whitney will unveil the many layers of the beautiful chant “Namo Avalokiteshvara”, honoring the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Together we will explore the transformative power of compassion embodied in this cherished chant.

Our evening begins with a 30 minute silent meditation, followed by Whitney’s teaching and a time for shared reflections and discussion.

Whether you are new to meditation or have practiced for many years, you are warmly invited to join us to this free online event.

Zoom Link: https:usweb.zoom.us/j/87018683894

For more information about ECMS, please contact Dianne Kinsey at: [email protected] or 401-286-7193

Bio of Whitney Davidson:

Whitney is the founder and leader of the Gulf Coast Community of Mindfulness, a virtual and local meditation group. She has a strong presence on the Emerald Coast, blending mindfulness, Zen Buddhist teachings, and physical wellness.
For more information about Whitney, visit website at: https://gulfcoastmindfulness.wixsite.com/breathe

05/17/2026

Congratulations to our founding member, Caroling Wholeo Geary, whose creative film - Solstice/Equinox Color Vision film will be shown at the New Jersey Shore Film Festival on June 4, 2026. It is a visual clip of colors and breathing. See link below:

Meditating on the December Outer Solstice 2025 at Sunrise, going to the Galactic Center, color visions come back, returning from black hole violet encounter in harmonies of pale Galaxy Green. Following meditation after sun has risen due east on the March Equinox 2026, colors gong. Death Breath pract...

05/17/2026

Sharing Caroling Wholeo Geary’s clip of colors and breathing that will be shown at the Jersey Shore Film Festival on June 4, 2026. Kudos to Caroling on her latest creation — A Solstice-Equinox Color Film .

Meditating on the December Outer Solstice 2025 at Sunrise, going to the Galactic Center, color visions come back, returning from black hole violet encounter in harmonies of pale Galaxy Green. Following meditation after sun has risen due east on the March Equinox 2026, colors gong. Death Breath pract...

05/13/2026

Some Mindful Inspired Poetry shared at Day of Mindfulness at the Quan Am Nam Hai Monastery on March 28, 2026

Thank you, Mary McCullagh.

IF YOU

If you meet yourself in the street today,
Would you recognize the gifts you share with the world?

The treasures those you meet see clearly?

Your kindness, consideration, awareness, and appreciation that flow from you into our world?

If you greet yourself in the workplace tomorrow,
Could you perceive the gifts you bring to colleagues?

The treasures they see surely in you?
Your cooperation, generosity, compassion, and sincerity that pour from you to friends and co-workers?

If you meet yourself in your family and friends tonight,
May you discern the blessings you offer to loved ones...

The treasures they who care most deeply see most clearly in you?

Your love, unselfishness, empathy, and patience that stream from you to your dearest ones?

You are each of these treasures,
Blessings abound
In your being, your actions, your heart, and your spirit.

May you trust that these gifts others see and cherish in you,
Are you deeply, truly, utterly, and fiercely,
You are treasure and gift, and blessing.

Nature haiku joy

Hearts cracking open
Tender yet awakened fierce
To life full of love


Tender hearts open
Feeling warmth, trust, and welcome
Spirits held lightly

Kindness river flows
Compassion envelopes us
Souls embraced in love

Body, heart listen
Voices heard in love deeply
Compassion day dawns

Arrived here you have
Breathing in the now deeply
Finding you are home

River of clouds flow
Among mountains of deep blue
Sun rays fall brightly

Will you recognize
Your heart witnessed by others
In kindness and love

Leaves dance in wind's breath
Glitter with Sun's kiss of life
Invite us to yes.

Peace,
Mary T McCullagh
Education Consultant
Florida Council for the Social Studies Board Memb

05/09/2026

On May 10th, we honor the birthday of our beloved founder of the Emerald Coast Meditation Society, Nancy James — whose quiet presence, spiritual depth, and loving vision continue to guide our meditation community. This ethereal photo beautifully captures the light and peaceful energy she carried into the world and shared so generously with others.

A haiku written for Nancy by Caroling Geary, her dear lifelong friend from university days:

“Because her life was
so distinct, I have her here
meditation”

And Caroling’s words offered in haiku reflection:

“The more you live,
The less you die,
Don’t ask me why.”

Today we remember Nancy with gratitude, stillness, and love. Her spirit remains woven into every silent meditation, every shared moment of presence, and every heart she touched.