Welcome to BlueWater Coaching.
Offering a combination of life coaching and training in mindfulness, equanimity, and compassion practices that support those interested in the cultivation of clarity, well-being, purpose and peace.
It is likely you've arrived here because you are ready to make meaningful changes in your life.
BlueWater Coaching begins with one central question:
"What qualities do you long to grow, flow with, and share today?"
To answer this question honestly, we must call on courage. The courage to take moments of our day to slow down the momentum of our modern lives. The courage to STOP, listen inwardly, and touch into the sincerity of the deepest longings of the heart.
When we practice cultivating the qualities we long to grow, we begin to live from our values. The actions we take toward ourselves and the world around us are more often informed by the seeds of well-being we have consciously sowed. We become these qualities. They live through us. We become the embodied manifestation of these qualities in the world.
I work with those who know, on a "gut" level, that real change must be made over time, from the inside-out. Those ready to listen within and honestly explore what qualities they long to grow more of in their life at this moment on Earth. Those who already have a sense of the changes they wish to make in their life and are interested in secular Buddhist practices that support the cultivation of mindful awareness and compassion. Those ready to soften habitual patterns that no longer serve them. And those seeking a witness who will listen deeply, not just to what they say but to who they are.
LATE SUMMER + FALL REFLECTIONS
I once read a quote somewhere about how nature's pace is always slow to medium, in stark contrast with the ever-quickening multi-tasking of modern human life.
Having recently returned from drinking in the majestic redwoods, riverways, and rocky coastal shores of southern Oregon and northern California with my family, I've been reflecting upon the power of the healing resonance of nature's groundedness and serene beauty. And how, when we humans are able to consciously attune to this, the qualities of awe, wonder, simplicity and appreciation can naturally arise. Patience can show up like a close friend. Quiet spaciousness and birdsong can birth a quality of hope that is rooted in the truth of the life-affirming resilience of the web of life that we are.
Throughout the pandemic years and today's difficult and challenging times, I am acutely aware that my practice has become more nature-based than ever. The data is in: when I am among the trees, whether on vacation or driving and walking my everyday life, and I practice seeing and sensing their groundedness and serenity (the big picture beyond our human-centered drama), I know in my bones that I am made up of the same elements as those trees and I, too, contain those capacities. From my experience, this clear-seeing is often the building block from which my capacity for kindness, caring, and compassionate action arises. And, conversely, when I hold the intention to align with kindness, caring, and compassionate action, this helps me to remember to sense the trees and experience the full picture. In slowing down and tuning in to nature's beauty, pace, and changing seasons, we can feel supported:
– in aligning with a visceral sense of deep rootedness
– in remembering our capacity for steadiness, flexibility and resilience
– in touching the peace that is present in the natural world in this very moment
– in remembering our interconnection with all of life and what really matters
These life-giving practices feel so practical and essential at this time on Earth and, as often shared by Ayya Santacitta, we are not alone in wanting to be a part of the healing. The whole web of life is this resilience. We do this together: A fallen redwood log blooms a dense forest of bright green clovers. Winter opens into Spring, warms into Summer, lets go into Fall, and begins again. Baby ferns unfurl from the ash-filled wildfire ground.
May these Fall community offerings, tuning in to nature, and our daily intentions and actions, support us in walking, step-by-step, through these difficult times, together. May we take refuge in what steadies and supports us on our path. May we remember our connection with all of life and our own sense of agency. May we know that we can, and will, play our part in the healing of ourselves, our communities, and our world.
FALL COACHING AND MEDITATION CLASS OFFERINGS
BY-PHONE LIFE COACHING FOR WOMEN
(Space is limited – e-mail now to check for openings!)
Say yes to the opportunity to get super clear about what qualities and daily life practices will support you in harvesting what brings greater well-being and resilience this Fall season! How might you move through your days with greater grounding, clarity of intention, compassion and wise action? What unhelpful habitual patterns are ready to be softened and let go of? How might you move through your days with greater clarity of intention, resilience, compassion and wise action? Whether from the comfort of your own home (or favorite pajamas!), or from the convenience of wherever you are, by-phone life coaching provides a nourishing, intimate space that invites you to pause and tune inward to clarify and grow the inner qualities and daily life choices that support greater well-being, purpose and peace. To learn more about this life-affirming work, contact me by e-mail at: lori@bluewatercoaching.net. I look forward to hearing from you.
INTRODUCTION TO MINDFULNESS MEDITATION 4-PART SERIES
In-Person classes with Lori Stelling
Sept 8, 16, 23 + 30, 11:15am to 12:00pm
(Class maximum of 12 participants in large room.)
Are you ready to discover or rediscover the benefits of meditation? Do you long to tune inward and get clear about the helpful qualities you long to grow this Fall Season? Join Lori in-person for a four-part introductory meditation series that supports bearing witness to the present moment with more curiosity and kindness, letting go of habitual tensions, and meeting ourselves, and our world, with greater compassion. No previous meditation experience necessary. Learn more and register through Napa Parks + Recreation and click on the "Health + Wellness" tab, or call 707.255.1800.
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION MONDAYS (INTERMEDIATE)
In-Person classes with Lori Stelling
Typically offered 3 Mondays per month, 12:15pm to 1:15pm, on-going monthly series
(Class maximum of 12 participants in large room.)
Do you long to stay centered amongst the swirl of these times? Do you miss the benefits of dropping into meditation with the support of others? Do you feel the call to tune into the exhale of nature's Fall Season? Gather in community with other experienced meditators who are receiving the benefits of keeping their mindfulness meditation practice fresh and alive! This offering includes gently guided meditations, teachings on mindfulness, and ways to support the growth of kindness, self-compassion, joy and equanimity in daily life. (Appropriate for those with 1 year of previous mindfulness meditation experience.) Learn more and register monthly through Napa Parks + Recreation and click on the "Health + Wellness" tab, or call 707.255.1800.
BY-PHONE TUESDAY MORNING MEDITATION
Phone Calls with Lori Stelling
Tuesdays from 9:30am to 10:05am (35 minutes), on-going
Please join all those who have taken community meditation classes with me in the past for a weekly 35-minute phone call which includes 20 to 25 minutes of gently guided meditation and 10 to 15 minutes of daily life practice tips to support well-being, grounding, and compassion in action in these challenging times. These calls are offered on a donation basis ($10 suggested donation; those under financial strain are warmly welcome to attend). For more information and to join the Tuesday class e-mail list, please contact me by e-mail at: lori@bluewatercoaching.net
FRIDAY WOMEN'S MEDITATION CIRCLES
Phone Calls and occasional in-person gatherings with Lori Stelling
(e-mail to be added to waiting list)
On-going, typically offered 3 Fridays each month (60 minutes)
Gather within a supportive small circle of women for gently guided meditations, teachings and reflections, savoring the opportunity for friendship on our journey of aging, learning and growing together. Each class includes guided meditations; teachings on mindfulness, lovingkindness, compassion, joy and equanimity; and time for sharing and mindful listening within a kind, inspiring community. In recent years, we've also been reading slowly through books on these themes and applying the teachings to our daily life practice! Please reach out by e-mail to be added to the waiting list: lori@bluewatercoaching.net
MOVEMENT + MEDITATION MINI-RETREATS
In-person with Karen Peters + Lori Stelling
Typically Friday evenings from 5:30pm to 7:30pm (Stay tuned for next retreat date!)
(Class maximum of 14 participants in large room.)
Join Lori and Senior Rosen Movement Teacher, Karen Peters, for a Friday evening mini-retreat blending the potent pairing of Rosen and meditation, inviting us to ground in the body, open the heart, and redirect the mind to our present moment experience. Let go of the habitual tensions stored up from your week and open to greater curiosity, steadiness, kindness and care. Learn more and register through: Napa Parks + Recreation and click on the "Health + Wellness" tab, or call 707.255.1800.
4 WEEK SERIES: GROWING THE OPEN + COURAGEOUS HEART
Phone Calls with Lori Stelling
Winter Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:40pm (stay tuned for 2025 dates)
(Limited to 6 participants)
Receive guidance on how to grow the protective and supportive qualities of lovingkindness, compassion, joy and equanimity in formal meditation and throughout daily life. Continue to clarify your deepest intentions for these difficult times and what practices and activities will honor your staying the course of your path in the New Year. To be added to the interest list, contact Lori via e-mail at: lori@bluewatercoaching.net
Read what others are saying about Lori's meditation classes
"One of the best treats I've ever given myself is Lori Stelling's meditation class. After being out of practice for decades, I had been struggling to restart on my own. Lori's gentle method of beginning with just a few minutes of meditation, guided by her calming voice, opened that stuck door for me. I look forward to taking more classes with Lori; each session reveals another tip for bringing peace into my everyday life."
~ Joan Osterman, retired vocational rehabilitation counselor, Napa Valley, CA
"Lori has a teaching presence that is warm, welcoming and always compassionate. She is a thoughtful and reflective teacher and is committed to serving others through her work. I highly recommend Lori's meditation classes— you will walk away feeling more connected to your own heart and to others. I always find her teachings to be relevant to my life."
~ Bhavana Mody, environmental science teacher and yoga instructor, Novato, CA
"I am so grateful to have discovered Lori's meditation and mindfulness classes. Our group sessions helped me discover ways to successfully manage my stress levels and find calm and balance in everyday life. Wanting to deepen my learning even further, I followed up with an individual life coaching package. Lori's insightful, compassionate approach supported me in cultivating self-compassion and establishing healthier relationships with others. I would highly recommend Lori to anyone seeking personal growth in a meaningful way."
~ Michelle Rai, college professor, Napa Valley, CA
"In meditation class, Lori skillfully guided us in learning how to work with body discomforts and relax, anchor the wandering mind, and observe our human experience with curiosity and openness. Her voice was soothing, kind and had the effect of calming. At the end of class we had interactive discussions and often expressed that we felt a greater sense of ease. We just have to continue to practice! It was my privilege to have met Lori and sat with her in meditation."
~ Ganga Padmesh, retired, Napa Valley, CA
"Lori's teaching style is warm, intelligent, and empowering. She has a gift of connecting with both beginners and long-term practitioners through the use of stories and personal experiences that illustrate the teachings in an easily accessible way. Lori's style humanizes the teachings, offering inspiration for all practitioners to deepen their practice, emphasizing self-compassion and a caring for the world that is deeply personal. I highly recommend Lori to anyone who is looking for inspiration and guidance in their meditation practice and a witness to their journey through life."
~ Forrest Hill, Founder, Napa Valley Insight Meditation
"I am so thankful that I allowed myself to start attending Lori's Mindful Meditation Classes. At first I felt some inner resistance to going to a meditation class, thinking it would seem a little strange and I would not be comfortable. My experience has been the exact opposite. Lori has a wonderful skill for connecting and making everyone feel safe and at ease. Lori guides you in working through body and mind discomforts and coming to terms with life's issues and stresses."
~ Jim O'Kelley, retired, Napa, CA
"The insights I encountered through Lori have helped me along my journey and continue to shine a light when my mind is confused (when it creates self-imposed suffering). I find myself saying, "Ah, Hello there.", in a friendly way. The ability to see my thinking in a broader context (and greet it kindly) is life-changing."
~ Aimee Cavenecia, artist, Yountville, CA