An Immersive Mindfulness Experience: Awaken to Nature

Session Presenter: Mariann Johnson, Mindfulness and Wellbeing Instructor, Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing

Many initially come to the practice of mindfulness to learn to slow down, reduce stress or to uncover an inner peace. Over time, we grow in our understanding that mindful awareness is also relational, encompassing all our relationships, including with the natural world. In honor of the Summer Solstice, this early evening program will use mindful awareness practices to explore and reflect on our intrinsic and essential connection with all of nature. 

Program participants will also:

• Develop a shared understanding of our innate capacity to be mindful.
• Learn mindful awareness practices to use when in natural environments.
• Enjoy an enhanced sense of wellbeing and a deeper connection with nature.
• Celebrate the Summer Solstice in community with others.
• Leave with a meaningful reminder to continue your mindfulness practice on your own.

This experience provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of the longest day of the year, embracing the warmth and vitality it brings.  Mariann Johnson will engage participants in guided meditations and reflections at the Arboretum’s Grace B. Dayton Wildflower Garden surrounded by a sense of harmony with the rhythms of the natural world. Through this experience, participants will be encouraged to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life that sustains us: by attuning to the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world, rediscovering our place within it and nurturing a profound sense of connection, belonging and stewardship.

The evening will conclude with group reflection, where participants can share their insights and experiences, strengthening the bonds of community and reinforcing the shared commitment to living mindfully. Whether you are new to mindfulness or a seasoned practitioner, this program offers a space for growth, connection and celebration.

Weather: 

• This experience takes place in gardens on and off trails when appropriate, in open air shelter(s), and will run rain or shine unless the conditions are deemed too dangerous by the Arboretum.
• Please dress appropriately for the weather and various trail conditions.
• Be prepared for possible sunburn, insect bites or allergy conditions. Where appropriate please bring necessary repellents, protection and medications. 

Helpful tips 

• The Arboretum is a public place; solitude from other visitors is not expected nor guaranteed.
• Bring a water bottle, and please refrain from eating or chewing gum
• This is a tech-free experience.
• As Minnesotans know, Mother Nature can be unpredictable…that is the joy and spontaneity of nature, and of this experience. Be prepared for the weather and come with an appreciation and respect for what Mother Nature has in store.

Please note: Mindfulness in Nature Experiences do not serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Sessions of Mindfulness in Nature Experiences at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum do not engage in the practice of medicine, nor enter into a health-care practitioner/patient relationship. Please discuss your personal health with a qualified health practitioner.

Session Presenter: Mariann Johnson is a wellbeing and mindfulness instructor for the University of Minnesota’s Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing. She has studied and practiced mindfulness meditation for over 25 years and is a certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction instructor through Brown University’s Mindfulness Center. Before dedicating her professional life to teaching mindfulness, Mariann served as an organization development consultant and mediator, working with leaders of Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Her writings on mindful leadership have appeared in the Huffington Post and Mindful Magazine. Mariann is also a lover of nature and all things outdoors and is excited to partner with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on this session.