Welcome

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 who already have a sense of the changes they wish to make and the habitual patterns they wish to soften. Those ready to listen within and grow the qualities they long to align with at this moment on earth. Those interested in secular Buddhist practices that support the cultivation of mindful awareness and compassion. Those seeking a witness who will listen deeply, not just to what they say but to who they are. Those ready to set their compass on their clear intentions and build skillful momentum for the new chapter ahead.

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SPRING + SUMMER REFLECTIONS

As I write, the energy of the spring season is beginning to arrive, inviting those in the Northern Bay Area to receive the blessings of plum blossoms and daffodils while feeling the warmth of the afternoon sun on our skin. This rebirth of color and light can be such a healing balm for the soul amongst the difficulties of these times on earth, inviting us to open our hearts/minds and eyes to the renewed possibility that we can choose to lean into all that is life-giving today– this beauty, this caring, this compassion, this community, this connection, this moment-to-moment creativity unfolding, amongst it all.

May we notice the blossom-scented air, feel the breath of life in our lungs, and remember that renewal is this moment right here. And, this June, may the unfolding of spring into the warming of summer ground us in bare feet on earth, cool waters that soothe, and scent-filled starry nights that remind us to return to a wide-view perspective, touch awe, and drink in a child-like sense of wonder wherever we find it.

May these spring and summer offerings invite you to increase your intimacy with life in simple yet profound ways--with the sensation of each step, with the rise and fall of each breath, with the returning to the listening that knows that everything is arising and passing (fluid, ever-changing) within this interdependent web of life that we are. May we actively plant and tend to seeds of love and care for one another and the earth, as we commit to healing and working together to birth new ways of living and being, step by step.

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SPRING/SUMMER COACHING AND MEDITATION CLASS OFFERINGS

3-MONTH SPRING + SUMMER LIFE COACHING PACKAGES FOR WOMEN READY TO BLOOM
(Phone calls with Lori Stelling. One 90-minute discovery session plus nine 60-minute coaching sessions. Packages available until spaces filled– check for openings today! Learn more here)

Discover the benefits of the powerful combination of life coaching and training in mindfulness, equanimity, and compassion for those ready to take the courageous step to commit to pause and turn inward to clarify and grow the inner qualities and daily life choices that support greater well-being, purpose, resilience, and peace. What habitual patterns will you soften and let go of in this season of your life? How might life change if you were to align with your deepest intentions and fully commit to walking your path? What possibilities might open out of this renewed clarity of heart? How might this impact you, your family, your community, and our world in need of care? To learn more about this life-affirming 1:1 work, please contact me by e-mail at: lori@bluewatercoaching.net. I look forward to hearing from you. Show Testimonials

Linda D.

Michelle R.

Michelle F.

"I began coaching with Lori six years ago, shortly after my best friend passed away, when I was wanting to grow more connection and joy in my life. At first, we met weekly for a few months, and her support was so valuable that I chose to continue to work with her on a monthly basis. Through our work together, Lori has helped me learn more about myself, set meaningful goals that align with my intentions, achieve them and put my life and its challenges into a wider perspective. Lori has a gentle, insightful way of guiding you to connect with your authentic self, your heart, and your highest intentions. Her deep knowledge of Buddhist teachings, along with the wisdom she draws from many other spiritual traditions, provides a rich and inspiring foundation for the coaching. I always leave our meetings feeling more grounded, and with a more optimistic outlook on my life."
~ Linda Dietiker-Yolo

"Lori's coaching supported me through many transitions in my life, including navigating a mid-life career change. Our phone sessions allowed me to sink into vulnerability, openness and healing without worrying about being "camera ready" for a Zoom meeting. I could lie in my bed, sip coffee in my backyard, or stretch out on the sofa during our calls. I highly recommend beginning and ending with guided meditations, as Lori is a master at helping you ground and restore your inner energy and thoughts. In addition to her compassionate, supportive and engaging personality, Lori is an effective and results-oriented coach. Our sessions, which took place on and off during various seasons of my life over the past decade, built the foundation for a lifetime of emotional resilience, personal growth and overall well-being."
~ Michelle R., C-suite healthcare executive

"Working with Lori helps me cut through the noise of what the outside world says 'should' and 'ought' to be, and to spend a little more time resting in the peace of what actually is. This helps me grow trust and faith, practice loving kindness, and approach difficult situations in my life in new ways, rather than remaining stuck on the wheel of rumination and frustration. It is important to me to work with a coach as a regular touch point, inviting me to reflect deeply, share my insights, and feel closer to my life's purpose."
~ Michelle F.

New!   MEETINGS WITH A MINDFULNESS COACH
20 to 30 minute Phone Calls with Lori Stelling

Do you have a specific challenge or question arising in your mindfulness meditation practice or lovingkindness practice that you would like support with? Schedule a 20 to 30 minute meeting with Lori to address your practice question(s) and help you sense into which practice tools may be of benefit to you. These short meetings are offered on a donation basis and are intended to provide occasional practice support. If you are interested in more frequent practice support, please explore Lori's life coaching offerings and meditation classes. To schedule a phone meeting, please reach out to Lori by email at: lori@bluewatercoaching.net

New!   GUIDED MEDITATION FOR A SUMMER'S EVENING
In-person evening meditations with Lori Stelling
Thursday 6/18 from 6:45pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday 7/15 from 6:45pm - 7:30pm
Thursday 7/30 from 6:45pm - 7:30pm

Enjoy one, two, or three summer evenings of gently guided mindfulness meditation. Take some deep clearing breaths, let go of the tasks of the day, rest in the body with the earth's grounding support, open to curiosity, simple kindness, and care. No previous meditation experience necessary. $10 per class. Senior scholarships available. Learn more and register by clicking on the "Adults + Seniors" tab at Napa Parks + Recreation or call 707.255.1800.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS SERIES
In-Person classes with Lori Stelling
Mondays from 11:15am to 12:00pm; June 1, 8, 15 + 22
(Class maximum of 12 participants in large room.)

Are you ready to discover or rediscover the benefits of meditation? Lori's in-person beginner's offerings support 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 is necessary. Learn more and register for the in-person series by clicking on the "Adults + Seniors" tab at Napa Parks + Recreation or call 707.255.1800.

New! Beginner's Meditation Phone Calls with Lori Stelling
Mondays from 11:00am - 11:35am, 35 minutes, on-going during the months the in-person series is not offered
(By-phone conference call - audio only)

The by-phone beginner's class is open to those who have taken in-person classes with Lori in the past and consists of 10 minutes of instruction on the foundations of mindfulness and 25 minutes of gently guided meditation. To join the e-mail list and receive dial-in instructions, please contact Lori at: lori@bluewatercoaching.net. Each beginner's phone call is offered on a donation basis ($10 suggested donation; those under financial strain are warmly welcome to attend). Show Testimonials

Jim O.

Joan O.

Ganga P.

Aimee C.

"I am so thankful that I allowed myself to start attending Lori's mindfulness 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

"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

"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

"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

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 have a year or more of mindfulness meditation experience and long to connect with community to keep your mindfulness practice fresh and alive? This on-going monthly series includes gently guided meditations, teachings on mindfulness, and ways to support the growth of kindness, self-compassion, joy and equanimity in daily life. Learn more and register monthly by clicking on the "Adults + Seniors" tab at Napa Parks + Recreation or call 707.255.1800. Show Testimonials

Pam B.

Nancy H.

Annabel M.

"I feel blessed to have found our Mindfulness Meditation Mondays class, with such an incredible teacher in Lori, seven years ago. With the support of Lori's teachings and meditation guidance, our short outside practice periods in nature (amongst beautiful surroundings) that leave me in peace, and the chance to share about our experience in each class, I've improved my daily life practice and grown my capacity to access wisdom, compassion, and loving awareness. I have learned a lot and am so grateful for our time together as a sangha."
~ Pam B.

"I am thankful to Lori for the teachings that I have personally benefited from since I moved to Napa in 2019. I found a treasure with Lori's guiding me into a peaceful place of meditation. She encourages me to let go and rest in awareness. I appreciate her kindness, wisdom and love that shine through her teachings."
~ Nancy H.

"Lori's Monday meditation class is a respite I look forward to each week. She is an exemplary instructor who consistently brings focused attention, deep compassion, and insightful teachings that she tailors for both the group dynamic and individual needs. Her commitment to living her practice is evident, and I value my time spent learning from her immensely."
~ Annabel M.

TUESDAY MORNING MEDITATION (INTERMEDIATE)
Phone Calls with Lori Stelling
Tuesdays from 9:30am to 10:05am (35 minutes), on-going
(By-phone conference call - audio only.)

Join other experienced meditators for a weekly 35-minute phone call which includes 10-15 minutes of daily life practice teachings/tips and 20-25 minutes of lightly guided meditation to support grounding, connection, curiosity, kindness, clarity, courage, resilience, and care in these challenging times. To join the e-mail list and receive dial-in instructions, please contact Lori at: lori@bluewatercoaching.net. Each Tuesday meditation call is offered on a donation basis ($10 suggested donation; those under financial strain are warmly welcome to attend). Show Testimonials

Jackie H.

Cara S.

Bob O.

Margret S.

"I have been attending Lori's by phone meditation for over a year now and I try to never miss. I can attend from wherever I am, in private comfort, in solitude, and with time alone after to enjoy the peace that her meditation brings me. She offers such a variety of experiences sharing information, poetry and then time in quietness. My practice provides me an opportunity to quiet my nervous system in a very stressful world."
~ Jackie Harrison

"Discovering Lori and this supportive phone-in class community, when I was struggling to find equanimity during the stress and uncertainty of the COVID pandemic, was truly a blessing. Lori brings deep knowledge of the spiritual, philosophical, and scientific aspects of mindfulness meditation, generously offering this wisdom on each call by carefully balancing the sharing of teachings, guided meditation, and poetry/readings. To this day, I find the phone-in format to be very effective, allowing me to listen and meditate within the comfort of my own space, move my body as needed without worrying about disturbing others, and providing me with the freedom to stay connected from wherever I am. Through her actions, Lori models kindness, compassion, and gratitude. I can't recommend Lori and our Tuesday phone-in class highly enough."
~ Cara Swartz

"Lori's meditation on Tuesday mornings really allows me to center myself and prepare for whatever comes up during the week. I enjoy Lori's teaching style because of her calm, soft meditation guidance, sharing of information on a wide variety of teachings, and readings of poetry or stories that are really enlightening. I also enjoy the fact that there's usually another meditation the following Tuesday, which kind of book ends my week."
~ Bob O.

"Knowing there is a small, quiet time each week that offers a place to center, release attachment to thought, and simply notice what arises in each moment, keeps me coming back to Lori's Tuesday morning meditation class again and again. Her gentle and joyful tone of voice, with pauses for silence, is a pleasure to be guided by, and supports the teachings, reflections, poetry, and stories sinking in. I much prefer the intimacy of our phone-in sessions over other formats like Zoom, and appreciate being able to practice in loose, comfortable clothing! Closing my eyes and tuning in to listening has me feel closer to the teacher and the other participants than meeting on screen. Our weekly phone sessions with Lori heighten insights, encourage a slower pace of living, and create time to experience life more deeply."
~ Margret Smetana

FRIDAY WOMEN'S MEDITATION CIRCLES - FULL with waiting list
Phone Calls and occasional in-person gatherings with Lori Stelling
Typically offered 3 Fridays per month, 60 minutes, on-going monthly series
(e-mail to be added to waiting list)

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 included reading books together at a slow pace 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 Show Testimonials

Brid S.

T.R.

Kathy O.

"Participating in the women's mindfulness circle has become a deeply grounding and uplifting experience for me. I feel welcomed into a safe and compassionate space every week where genuine connection and reflection unfold. Each session offers me a supportive space to pause, be still, breathe, and reconnect with other incredible women walking their own paths. I am deeply thankful for the wisdom, warmth, gentleness and care that Lori brings to each gathering. Our practice time has helped me cultivate more patience, gratitude, and self-compassion, which now ripple through everything I do. Since returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic, our switch to a by-phone format has been a gift that allows me to participate from my office and continue to benefit from this time that I cherish."
~ Brid S.

"Over the past several years, I've benefited from Lori's guidance through both the women's circle and by-phone morning meditations. I call in to class twice a week. This helps me to center myself and grow a greater sense of peace, especially during difficult times."
~ T.R.

"I never could have imagined when I joined our women's circle, back in 2020, that I would still be connected to Lori and this group of women 6 years later. Thanks to our group, I've grown more love and peace with how life is. Lori makes every circle time new, sharing teachings and guided meditations in a fresh way that enriches my life. Meeting mostly by phone, since the pandemic, hasn't lessened the impact and invites us to listen deeply to ourselves and one another. I can't imagine what my life would be like now without these years with Lori and the circle."
~ Kathy Odell

MOVEMENT + MEDITATION MINI-RETREATS
In-person with Karen Peters + Lori Stelling
Fall date to be determined
(Class maximum of 14 participants in large room.)

Join Lori and Senior Rosen Movement Teacher, Karen Peters, for mini-retreats blending the potent pairing of Rosen and meditation, inviting us to ground in the body, open the heart, and redirect the mind to the aliveness of our present moment experience. Let go of the habitual tensions and open to greater curiosity, steadiness, playfulness and care. Learn more and register by clicking on the "Adults + Seniors" tab at Napa Parks + Recreation or call 707.255.1800.

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Read what others are saying about Lori's meditation classes

"Lori is a wise and skilled teacher, and a student herself always. When she openly shares little vignettes - stories rich with universal meaning from her own rich life, I feel encouraged to notice and be inspired by my own experiences during the coming week."
~ Margret Smetana

"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

"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