Gentle Yoga & Nature Therapy: A Summer Solstice Sunset
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
Gentle Yoga & Nature Therapy: A Summer Solstice Sunset Journey
Celebrate the longest day of the year with a special sunset session at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. This exclusive summer solstice event weaves together mindful nature therapy and gentle mindful movement. Set against a backdrop of peaceful woodlands, serene lakes, and blooming gardens, we will move, breathe, and absorb the magic of the solstice sunset. As the day winds down, we will close our luminous gathering with tea and gratitude, guided by Lauren Lang of Within Nature’s Embrace and Ilana Rubin of Kindred Nature. All adults are welcome, no experience needed. Registration is required.
About Mindful Movement and Nature Therapy
This experience integrates the practices of 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:
• Release stress and reconnect with nature as you are guided through simple movements
• Celebrate the summer solstice through a peaceful evening journey of two wellness-boosting practices
• Relax into guided mindfulness and bodyfulness to ground yourself on the first day of summer
• Reflect, connect, 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—no experience or special skills are needed. Whether you're new to mindful movement and nature connection or have joined us before, you're warmly welcomed to this experience.
Meet Your GuidesIlana 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.
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 Within Nature's Embrace to learn more about Lauren's work.
Join Us!
- Registration: $65 per participant (ages 18 and up). 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: Programs run 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