A Spring Awakening: Connect with Emerging Nature of Spring

This entire spring workshop will be outside at the serene grounds at the Wainwright House. 

Gift bags, prepared by the teacher, will be given to each student. 

About the Workshop: We will gather on the gorgeous grounds of Wainwright House to relax, connect and restore for the Spring season ahead. Once the group has connected, Cindy will share some curiosities about the happenings in the natural world on that particular day. She will lead the group through some gentle standing stretches designed to release stress. We will enjoy walking meditation and other mindful invitations to enhance the connection with outside world, as well as within.  We will gather with distance to enjoy tea as a community and share with a view of the Sound. You will return to your daily life with a clearer mind and more connected heart.

Activities: Gentle standing yoga stretches, centering exercises, walking outdoor meditation, seated outdoor meditation, journaling, tea.

Tea Ceremony: Sit outside, sipping natively sourced teas prepared safely. We will be socially distanced with a hot cup of tea in your hand, creating community while drinking in nature. Tea will be served in compostable tea cups that was prepared with double mask and gloves. "It is like drinking a little bit of nature in nature."

About the Instructor: Cindy Olsen is the founder of Cindy By Nature, LLC. which offers award-winning mindful nature programs throughout the Westchester region. She is a certified guide with the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership, the Association of Nature and Forest Therapyand Mindful Schools. She is an educator with the Sheldrake Environmental Centerand The Rewilding School, as well as a meditation teacher with Pause To Be Present Meditation. Her training combines nature education, ancestral skills, mindfulness meditation, Ayurveda and yoga. Her outdoor program won the “Best of Westchester Award” for Best Outdoor Hike in 2019 and her program has been featured in Forbes. She is passionate about sharing the powerful physical and mental benefits of nature and mindfulness with others.

FAQs

Do events take place in inclement weather?

We believe that being connected with the elements is a powerful tool. Our events will take place in rain and snow. If we find that conditions are dangerous (e.g.,  high winds, lightning), we will have the event another time.

How arduous is the walk?

The walk is a short distance and we walk slowly and carefully.

What should I bring?

Wear weather-appropriate clothing and hiking shoes or footwear for uneven trail terrain.  Be sure to wear long pants to protect your legs. We will provide you with string backpacks that include a foam seat cushion and blanket for your comfort during the personal sit and group tea ceremony. You may use these backpacks to store your personal belongings.

Are sneakers okay?

Yes. Be aware that we could encounter mud, puddles, ice and rocky terrain. Footwear appropriate for the current weather conditions should be worn.

Should I bring bug spray, sunscreen, a bottle of water?

If bug activity is present and you would like to prevent bites, then please bring bug spray. There is not an extended period of sun exposure since we will be in the trees for most of the event. However, if you have a practice of wearing sunscreen when outdoors, you can bring or apply beforehand. It is not necessary to bring water unless it brings you comfort to have with you.

Wainwright House Cancellation Policy:

No refunds will be offered if you do not show up, are late, or leave early from a program.

If you need to cancel, fees can be transferred to another event.