Welcome to Blue Owl

Mindfulness is learned…

In 2008, I quit my job as a project manager in healthcare IT, sold my home and left my life as I knew it to volunteer farm my way across western Canada. I “bumped” into Vipassana Meditation and sat my first 10 day silent retreat in Merritt, BC. This experience has steered my life since. Although my entry point to living a mindful life was drastic, you can start now… from right where you are in life.  I share the wise tradition in a way that is consistent with its origins, modified slightly for modern times.

Below are several ways you can learn the skill of Mindfulness with me at Blue Owl…

Mindfulness in Nature   Walks 2023…

Dates for the spring, summer and fall Mindfulness Walks in Huron County Ontario are posted on the Maitland Trail Association site, Events page. Register with me to join the May and June walks.

Walking mindfully, our experience of walking trails we know well changes. Pause and explore Mindfulness Techniques, Walking Meditation and Forest Therapy. Designed for those who want the benefits of meditation but prefer to move! Dress warm on cool days as we will be moving slowly, please leave your pets at home (dogs are already very Zen!).

• Saturday, May 6th, 2023 - 9:00 - 10:30 am - Naftel’s Creek, Hwy 21, Central Huron

• Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 - 9:00 - 10:30 am - Maitland Woods, meet at Knights of Columbus Parking Lot, 390 Parson’s Court, Goderich

• Saturday September 9th, 2023 - 9:00-10:30 WawanoshValley Conservation Area. 38854Nature Centre Rd, Belgrave, ON N0G 1E0

For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Janievan Essen via email jvanessen@hotmail.com. This is a Level 1, easy pace, 1.5hours.

Please sign the online waiver at the MTA website before hiking.

Here are some of comments from past Mindful Walks…

“The walk was magical ”

“Thank you for creating such a wonderful experience.”

“… I have missed so much just walking and talking or listening to music on the trails around me”

Free Weekly Meditation…

Wednesdays 1:00-2:00 pm or 8:00-9:00 pm.  

Via Zoom, hosted by the Huron County Library. New meditators join the existing group sits at any time. Janie shares Vipassana based meditation  techniques.  No prior experience is necessary just a willingness to be present and patient with yourself.  

These Zoom “sits” are free. Email Janie for the link and start this week!

This is where you begin to live a mindful life.

Mindfulness Coaching…

In private or small group sessions, clients learn how to observe the self talk and related emotions that often control our lives in a negative way. Clients learn how to be aware and manage these “mind habits” to be more at ease, content.

Mindfulness mentorship can happen in person, on Zoom or walking in the woods in Goderich or in West Hamilton. $50 CAD per 1hr session/person, group rates available. Contact Janie to arrange.

Mindful Living

Discussion Group

Format: Similar to a book club, we discuss ideas and our feelings about a book, videos or podcasts.

The 2022 Group discussions included; recognizing our negative narratives and detaching from them, exploring a “the good enough life”.  The photo to the left shows some of the source material.

If you are interested in joining/starting a discussion group series email Janie.

Pop-up Mindfulness in Nature Walks…

Our ability to connect with that “silent” place within us is super charged in nature. Janie combines mindfulness techniques, walking meditation and forest bathing concepts. Designed for those who want the benefits of meditation but prefer to move!  

Contact Janie to set up a personal or group experience or to be added to the Winter Pop Up Walks email list… spontaneous walks when winter conditions are favourable.