Experience the healing benefits of nature and join Kim and Renee from SunnyMoon Rising for a short hike to a wooded area and 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”. This easy and slow hike with frequents stops through nature spaces is not meant to be cardio exercise, but rather a mindful experience. There will be an opportunity to engage in an activity or make a craft from materials from nature (ex. terrariums, other nature art, water mandalas, journaling, and more). Weather permitting you can expect to be outside for at least the hike and meditation. If you have never hiked or meditated outside during the winter, you will want to try this! The peacefulness and stillness are so calming and something you'll look forward to every winter.
January 18: New Moon Intentions (Using Plants for Self-Care)
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 the new moon, setting intentions, and using plants for self-care. Not only will you leave feeling peaceful, but with more knowledge and tools how to incorporate the moon cycles into your life. Registered attendees will be gifted an infused elderberry honey sample. Fire honey will be offered for the optional taste portion of the sense immersion.
Location: Meet at the Visitor Center
Tips from the Pros: Warm gear is suggested for your comfort (coat, hat or ear covering, gloves, warm boots, hand/foot warmers, blanket). A small rug to sit on will be provided. If weather does not permit safely being outside, we will plan a longer meditation or activity indoors. A water bottle is also suggested, especially if you stay for yoga afterwards.
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.
