Montgomery Parks has announced guided mindfulness walks and a wellness retreat at Brookside Gardens to help individuals and families reconnect with nature and themselves.
The immersive walks promote relaxation, connection, and self-awareness by providing participants with a unique opportunity to experience the healing benefits of mindfulness practices in the peaceful embrace of nature.
The walks take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and cost $28 per person, while the half-day Mindfulness Wellness Retreat on May 18 runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and costs $70 per person.
Additionally, participants will receive a limited-edition journal to take home.
“The physical, social and emotional benefits of nature-based mindfulness make it a whole that is truly greater than the sum of its parts,” Brookside Gardens director Stephanie Oberle said in a press release. “Applying the practice of mindfulness in a natural environment has been scientifically shown to significantly increase well-being impact in comparison to either activity alone. Simple yet transformative, it cultivates experiences of awe, inspiration, connectedness and helps soothe feelings of anxiety, grief and hopelessness.”
The events schedule includes:
Guided Mindfulness Walk: “Connections in Nature” — Saturday, April 5: Uncover the links between yourself and your environment in this guided walk through the Gude Garden. Explore what it means to connect with yourself, others, and the natural world through gentle movement, discussion, journaling, and meditation. Ages 18 and older.
Guided Mindfulness Walk: “Motherhood in Nature” — Thursday, April 17: Reconnect with the natural world in this workshop to support mothers in cultivating mindfulness, self-compassion, and resilience. Through guided movement and mindfulness practices, nature connection, and shared reflection, parents will discover tools to nurture themselves and their role as a mother. Babies in strollers are welcome. Ages 18 and older.
Half-Day Mindfulness Wellness Retreat at Brookside Gardens — Sunday, May 18: Half-day of stress-relieving practices, including gentle yoga, walking and seated meditation, and the meditative way of the labyrinth. Good for those new to meditation or seasoned practitioners, this retreat will provide a chance to slow down, connect to nature in new ways, and rekindle a deeper sense of peace and wonder in life. Ages 18 and older.
Brookside Gardens is located at 1800 Glenallan Avenue in Wheaton and online at montgomeryparks.org.
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