Delmarva Board Sports mindfulness sessions start May 22

Delmarva Board Sport Adventures, an award-winning local water sports company, announced two new mindfulness-based programs, Mindful Monday in the Marsh and Presence Practice on the Water. Both will include small group, present-moment awareness floating sessions and take place at the Delmarva Board Sports water sports concession, 135 Dagsworthy Ave., Dewey Beach.

Mindful Monday in the Marsh will be offered from 6:30 to 8 p.m., May 22, June 19, July 17 and Aug. 21. These sessions will be guided by Maxine Middlebrook from HealTree. and take place 

Presence Practice on the Water will be offered from 8 to 9:30 a.m., Tuesdays, June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, Aug. 8 and Aug. 22. These sessions will be guided by Catrina Stiller from HealTree. 

Sessions will consist of science-based information sharing, three guided mindful practices and opportunities to share about the experience. Sessions are 90 minutes, weather permitting. Participants may choose a kayak or a paddleboard and attend one or multiple sessions.

Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in the moment, non-judgmentally. People who practice present-moment awareness benefit mentally, emotionally and physically. Through research, mindfulness practices have been shown to decrease stress, anxiety and depression symptoms; improve emotional regulation, immune function and sleep; reduce perception of pain; and increase focus, self-awareness and overall well-being.

Even though floating group sessions take place in a shallow area of Rehoboth Bay (waist to chest deep), all participants should know how to swim, tread water or dog-paddle. Participants will anchor themselves so as to not float away from the group. All must wear provided safety equipment and sign a liability waiver.

Space is limited to 12 participants per week. To sign up, go to fareharbor.com or call 302-260-9008.