WHEATON, Md. – In today’s fast-paced and sometimes chaotic world, finding moments of peace and stress relief is essential for our mental and emotional well-being. Montgomery Parks announces a series of guided mindfulness walks and wellness retreat at Brookside Gardens designed to help individuals and families reconnect with nature and themselves, while reducing stress and enhancing mindfulness.
These immersive walks offer the opportunity to experience the healing power of mindfulness practices combined with the tranquility of nature. Each walk is uniquely crafted to provide an enriching experience that promotes relaxation, connection, and self-awareness. Walk participants will receive a special, limited-edition journal to take home with them.
All walks are from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and are $28 per person.
Mindfulness events
Guided Mindfulness Walk: “Connections in Nature” | Saturday, April 5
Uncover the links between yourself and the environment around you in this guided walk through the Gude Garden. Explore what it means to connect with yourself, with others, and with the natural world through gentle movement, discussion, journaling, and meditation. Ages 18 and older. Register for Connections in Nature.
Guided Mindfulness Walk: “Motherhood in Nature” | Thursday, April 17
Reconnect with the natural world in this workshop designed 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 self and in the role as a mother. Babies in strollers are welcome. Ages 18 and older. Register for Motherhood in Nature.
Half-Day Mindfulness Wellness Retreat at Brookside Gardens | Sunday, May 18 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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. Register for Half-Day Mindfulness Retreat. $70 per person.
“The physical, social and emotional benefits of nature-based mindfulness make it a whole that is truly greater than the sum of its parts,” said Stephanie Oberle, director of Brookside Gardens. “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 sooth feelings of anxiety, grief and hopelessness.”
Participants are encouraged to register early, as spaces are limited.
About Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens is a 50-acre horticultural display garden with intricately designed landscapes, permanent and seasonal displays, and two conservatories. Throughout the year, the Gardens welcome more than one million visitors to engaging programs and events for children and adults, including the summer live butterfly exhibit and winter light display. Learn more at www.brooksidegardens.org
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems.
Accessibility at Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information.
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