Lotus Bloom Nature Therapy: Flourishing with Tranquility
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens • 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court Vienna, VA 22182 Organized by NOVA Parks - Northern Virginia Regional Park AuthorityAbout this event
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Description
Lotus Bloom Nature Therapy: Flourishing with Tranquility
Experience a serene morning at Meadowlark Botanical Garden, where we will awaken our senses to the beauty of blooming lotuses and reflective waters. This special guided nature therapy walk welcomes you to nourish inner peace and presence through a refreshingly sensory and mindful guided wander along shimmering blooming ponds and cooling woodland trails. Guided by certified nature therapy guide Ilana Rubin of Kindred Nature, we will conclude with tea to enhance our sense of connection and vitality as summer unfolds. All adults are welcome. Registration is required.
About Nature Therapy
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 slow down and 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 morning together, you'll be invited to:
- Awaken your senses beside garden ponds thriving with lotus blooms, turtles, and dragonflies
- Slow down with guided mindfulness practices in a peaceful, natural setting
- Absorb the vibrant beauty of mid-summer while finding your own inner calm
- Enjoy gentle guided wanders and quiet moments by the water or in shaded woodlands
- Reflect, share, and connect within a warm-hearted, supportive community
- Close with tea, light snacks, and gratitude in the gardens.
Each program offers a unique journey, co-created by the season, the location, the wildlife, and our group. 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—no experience or special skills needed. Whether you're new to mindful nature connection practices or have joined us before, you're warmly welcomed to this experience.
Meet Your Guide
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, 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. Visit Kindred Nature to learn more.
Join Us!
- Registration: $35 per participant (ages 18 and older). All attendees are considered participants. Advance online registration required.
- Welcome: All adults are warmly invited - no previous experience or background needed!
- Meeting Point: Meet at the Visitor Center of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.
- Bring: Water bottle, comfortable weather-appropriate clothing, and shoes for outdoors.
- Weather: Program runs rain or shine unless conditions are hazardous.
- Arrival: Please come 10-15 minutes early to be ready to begin our journey together.
- Special Requests: For dietary allergies or accommodation needs, please contact kindrednatureguide@gmail.com.
- A refund is provided only if your space is filled by an individual on the waitlist. Refunds are not provided within 72 hours of the program.
Please provide a valid email address so that we may provide you with program updates.
Location
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA