Community Nature & Forest Therapy with Elena Rios

Details:

This is a slow, relaxing, nature-based integrative mindfulness practice. The importance of our relationship to land and place is rooted in ancestral Indigenous Knowledge all over the world. Our Wise Ones knew that the wellness of our mind, body, and spirit is directly connected to our relationship with the Earth, La Madre Tierra. Experience the health benefits of Forest Bathing or Shinrin Yoku such as lowered blood pressure, lowered cortisol concentrations, enhanced immunity, less stress, more focus, enhanced creativity, and so much more. A kind of nervous system “reset”. The event ends with a ceremony of sharing tea made from native plants and some healthy snacks.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes for walking and layered clothing, and to be prepared to walk through various sections of the Garden. Participants will be sitting on the ground during this experience, therefore it is advisable to bring a towel or mat to sit on. Although the Garden is dog-friendly, participants are asked to not bring their dog(s) to this event.

Guests registered for this event will meet Elena behind the Entrance Kiosk.

Pricing:

Garden Members: $25

General Public: $35

About Elena

Elena Rios is an ANFT Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, Earth Mindfulness Mentor, Cultural Practitioner, Interdisciplinary Artist, and former California Interagency Hotshot Wildland Fire Professional. Currently, she is an employee of a well respected tribal fire department. She first learned about ranch, land, and fire stewardship practices from her family on Tübatulabul/Yokut territy in the foothills of Sequoia N.F. Her late grandmother, Maria, was a curandera and a huesera on Tataviam/Tongva territory in the San Fernando Valley. Her journey toward deepening relationship with the healing power of plants, herbs, and flowers has taken shape within the context of their presence in intertribal circles of learning, including Danza Azteca Mexica. She holds a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. She is a Xicana Indigena descendent of Azteca Chichimeca/SW Pueblo/Inter-tribal/Scots-Irish European ancestors.