Description

Spring Morning Retreat: Mindful Movement & Nature Therapy
As the earth awakens to spring, join us for a grounding and revitalizing experience among the beautiful blooms of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens on Saturday, May 23, 9:30am-12:30pm. This restorative journey blends mindful movement with nature therapy to support both stability and renewal. This experience is designed for all abilities and welcomes anyone seeking deep connection, inner peace, and a fresh start this spring.
About Mindful Movement and Nature Therapy
Mindful movement is the practice of moving with awareness, intention, and presence. It encourages us to slow down, tune into our bodies, and connect with the present moment. Unlike traditional exercise focused on intensity or outcomes, mindful movement emphasizes how the movement feels in the present moment.
Nature therapy, also known as forest therapy or forest bathing, draws inspiration from the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku. Through mindful and sensory nature connection invitations, we create space to reconnect—with nature, with ourselves, and with each other. This practice helps us rediscover our sense of belonging within the natural world and our community. Research shows that nature therapy naturally reduces stress, restores focus, boosts creativity and mood, and supports immune health.
Your Experience
During our time together, you'll be invited to:

• Connect with yourself and nature as you are guided through simple movements
• Discover new ways to connect with nature through all your senses
• Relax into guided mindful and bodyful practices to ground yourself in spring
• Reflect and share in a warm-hearted group
• Close with tea, light snacks, and gratitude

We may walk about a mile or less at a relaxing pace, on a mix of terrain that can include both paved and unpaved paths. Every invitation is adaptable to your comfort level.
Meet Your Guides
Ilana Rubin brings warmth and expertise as a certified nature and forest therapy guide and as the founder of Kindred Nature. Trained and certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT), Ilana established Kindred Nature in 2021 to replenish inner radiance, resilience, and belonging with nature and community through empowering and restorative experiences. She has guided many rejuvenating nature connection programs at NOVA Parks sites, as well as for diverse clients including the US Forest Service, the GW Office of Integrative Medicine and Health, families, couples, and individuals. For more information, visit Kindred Nature.
Lauren Lang is inspired by the power of sensory engagement with nature, community building, and cultivating a deeper awareness of our inner wisdom. A certified yoga instructor and ANFT Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, she prefers to be outside no matter the weather and loves sharing this passion with others. As a lifelong educator, she has taught littles to adults and everyone in between in classrooms, out in nature, and on ski slopes. Visit Imagine Well Being to learn more about Lauren's work.
Join Us!

• Registration: $65 per person early bird through May 9, or $75 per person starting May 10. Open to ages 18+ and all abilities. All attendees are participants. Online registration is required.
• Arrival: We’ll meet at the Visitor Center and start check in 15 minutes before the program start time. Please give yourself time to arrive 10-15 minutes early so we can begin together.
• Bring: Water bottle and comfortable weather-appropriate clothing and shoes for the outdoors and for movement.
• Wear: Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes for outdoors.
• Weather: Programs run rain or shine unless conditions are hazardous.
• Requests: For dietary allergies or accommodation needs, please contact Ilana at kindrednatureguide@gmail.com
• Refund Policy: Refunds may be issued only if your space can be filled from the waitlist and your cancellation is made at least 72 hours prior to the program.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is located off Beulah Road, at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, in Vienna, Virginia.

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Age Category

Adult

Location

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA