Emerald Coast Meditation Society

07/30/2026

07/30/2026

August brings us together in Unique Ways

This August, the Emerald Coast Meditation Society invites you to join us in two special gatherings—one online and one in person.

August 6th- Poetry and Meditation with Charlotte Wright

Join us online for longtime ECMS and steering committee member Charlotte Wright as she returns to present “When We Have Shuffled Off This Mortal Coil: Poetry and the Theme of Death, Part III.”
Charlotte invites us to contemplate Impermanence through the words of poets—and perhaps to discover that poetry, like meditation, can help us see more deeply what is right here before us.
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM CST
Our Zoom link is: https:us06web.zoom.us/j/87018683894

August 11 - Maritime Mindfulness with Captain Jason Crawford

From the California coast to the waters of the Emerald Coast, Captain Jason Crawford has discovered that the ocean has much to teach us about presence and mindfulness.
Jason’s lifelong relationship with the sea has taught him that awareness, presence, respect and trust are not only qualities of a good captain—they are also qualities of a mindful life.

And through August, we invite you to tune in…
Our valued ECMS member Ken Roman hosts his weekly program, Discovering the Presence Process, on Sandcastle Radio every Wednesday from 11:00 AM- 12:00 noon CST

ECMS warmly welcomes all -beginning and advanced meditators to both our online and in person events. Our group is non-sectarian and free to the public. Contact Dianne Kinsey at: [email protected] or 401-286-7193 for further info.

Photographs of Charlotte Wright, Jason Crawford and Ken Roman

07/24/2026

Mark your calendars for an Evening of Meditation and Poetry on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 6:30 - 8:00 pm CST
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87018683894

🌿 A Special Invitation from the Emerald Coast Meditation Society 🌿

We are delighted to welcome back our own Charlotte Wright, an ECMS member since 2011 and a valued member of our steering committee.

Two years ago, Charlotte introduced us to the beautiful intersection of Poetry and Meditation. On August 6, she returns online with “When We Have Shuffled Off This Mortal Coil”: Poetry and the Theme of Death, Part III.

Charlotte has invited ECMS members to participate by reading poems she has thoughtfully selected for each of us—a unique opportunity to experience how poetry and meditation can meet in the quiet space of reflection, impermanence, and meaning.

A former high school and college English instructor, Charlotte brings her love of poetry, literature, and the contemplative life to this special gathering.

✨ Join us online for this very special ECMS program—an opportunity to listen, reflect, and discover Poetry and Meditation as

07/24/2026

🌿 A Special Invitation from the Emerald Coast Meditation Society 🌿

We are delighted to welcome back our own Charlotte Wright, an ECMS member since 2011 and a valued member of our steering committee.

Two years ago, Charlotte introduced us to the beautiful intersection of Poetry and Meditation. On August 6, she returns online with “When We Have Shuffled Off This Mortal Coil”: Poetry and the Theme of Death, Part III.

Charlotte has invited ECMS members to participate by reading poems she has thoughtfully selected for each of us—a unique opportunity to experience how poetry and meditation can meet in the quiet space of reflection, impermanence, and meaning.

A former high school and college English instructor, Charlotte brings her love of poetry, literature, and the contemplative life to this special gathering.

✨ Join us online for this very special ECMS program—an opportunity to listen, reflect, and discover Poetry and Meditation as

07/14/2026

This morning’s Walking Meditation in the Japanese Garden at the Destin Library was a gentle invitation to slow down, breathe deeply and simply be. Led by Master Gardener, Velda Dougherty , we experienced the garden come alive after much rain. Nature itself became our teacher, drawing us into the present moment.

We welcomed three newcomers from the neighborhood, whose presence added warmth and depth to our group sharing. After our walk, we gathered inside the library for a teaching and discussion on Joy and Sorrow, guided by our gifted teacher and friend, Felicia Crawford.

Please join us on the second Tuesday of each month from 9:00 to 10:30 am in the garden of the Destin Library.

ECMS is a free event to all those interested in learning and practicing mindful meditation. All spiritual traditions are welcomed.

07/09/2026

There is something deeply peaceful about gathering in the quiet beauty of the Zen Garden at the Destin Library—a place that naturally invites stillness, reflection, and connection.

Please join the ECMS for our monthly meditation gathering on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 9:00 - 10:30 AM, as we explore the theme “Joy and Sorrow”with author and therapist Felicia Crawford.

We will begin with a brief sitting meditation, followed by a mindful walking meditation through the garden led by master gardener, Velda Dougherty.

Please bring a yoga mat or cushion or folding chair for sitting. Insect repellent is optional. The weather forecast predicts hot and steamy weather, so a bottled water and sun hat would be wise. After our time together in meditation and reflection, you are warmly invite to continue the fellowship over breakfast at the Destin Cafe.

In the event of rain, we meet inside of the library. ECMS is free, welcoming and nonsectarian.

May Tuesday’s morning in the garden remind us that joy and sorrow are not opposites, but deeply connected experiences that open the heart and deepen our understanding of life.

See you in the garden!

Photo of Felicia Crawford speaking at last month’s gathering.

06/27/2026

We are delighted to welcome back Simona Ondrejkova, who last year accomplished the extraordinary feat of trekking to Everest Base Camp and completing a marathon in the Himalayas. Simona will speak on her transformative spiritual journey at our next Zoom gathering on Thursday, July 2nd at 6:30 - 8:00 pm CST.

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87018683894

All are welcome to this free and nonsectarian ECMS virtual event.

Simona’s Bio:

Simona Ondrejkova is the author of Dream, Doubt & Do It Anyway, a ghostwriter, and the owner of Mindful Copy Agency. After living and working in financial services in the 30A/Destin area for many years, she left in 2019 to pursue her dream of traveling through Europe. Along the way, she became happily “stuck” on a beautiful Greek island that has since become her home.

Today, Simona lives her dream of working from anywhere while wandering among olive groves, swimming in the deep blue sea, and dancing at local village festivals. In 2025, she trekked to Everest Base Camp and ran a marathon there. This experience left an indelible mark on her and she looks forward to sharing her insights from this experience in this upcoming talk.