Kim and Renee from SunnyMoon Rising will lead you through a "Winter Solstice” nature experience where all your senses will be engaged. Participants should expect a short walk to a wooded area to find a tree of your choice to connect with. You will then be guided through an immersive experience focusing on the sights, sounds, smells, feels, and tastes around you. This Japanese technique of mindful connection to nature is known as shinrin-yoku or forest bathing. Kim and Renee have added their own unique touch to the forest bathing experience by embedding what they call, “Tree Meditation”. Using knowledge gained as Master Naturalists through the Illinois Extension and their passion for all things Mother Earth, the education meditation part of this event will include guided imagery and information about winter solstice traditions around the world. You will leave feeling “rooted in knowledge”.
Registered attendees will be gifted dehydrated orange suncatcher kits with instructions how to assemble at home! Candied dehydrated oranges will be offered for the optional taste portion of the immersion. The orange symbolizes the promise of the return of the sun as days start to lengthen. An indoor space will be used should the weather become bad. If you aren't used to being outside in nature during the winter, you will fall in love with it! Spots are limited so reserve yours early. Grounding in nature following a sound bath helps lengthen the benefits of that therapy so be sure to sign up for Winter Sound Healing at 1pm too!
Location: Meet at the Visitor Center
Tips from the Pros: Weather permitting, you will be outside minutes or longer so wear gloves, hats, scarves, warm footwear and a coat. We have some rugs available for sitting but attendees may bring a chair, blanket and/or yoga mat for additional comfort. If weather does not permit safely being outside, we will plan a longer meditation or activity indoors. A water bottle is also suggested.
Wildlife Prairie Park occasionally takes photographs or video of participants for promoting/advertising our programs, services, events, activities, and facilities in our brochures, website, social media, and other promotional materials. By entering Wildlife Prairie Park or registering for, participating in or attending the Park’s programs, events, or other activities, the participant (or parent/guardian of a minor participant) irrevocably agrees to the use and distribution by Wildlife Prairie Park of his or her image (or of his minor child/ward) in photographs, video recordings, and any other electronic reproductions of such programs, events and activities for any purpose without inspection or approval and without compensation, rights to royalties or any other consideration now and in the future.
