classes wellness

Yoga

With Melissa Stanley

Increase range of motion, core body strength, and flexibility through the practice of yoga in a lovely garden setting. Focus on stretching techniques that safely promote proper spinal position, balance, and joint health. No experience is necessary. Bring a yoga mat, towel, and wear comfortable clothing. (Ages 18 and over)

Six Wednesdays: 9/6 through 10/11

5:15 – 6:15 pm | $99

Sound Bath Meditation

With Liana Thompson

Experiencing sound baths in a natural setting is magical. While you focus on the sounds of the bowls, you may notice other sounds of nature, such as birds singing in response to the soothing sounds being played. Your stress and tension will slowly melt away as you allow your senses to absorb the environment around you.

Two Sundays: 9/10 and 9/17, 9 – 10 am | $29 (Rain Date: Sunday 9/24)

Introduction to T’ai Chi Chih®

With Jessica Lewis

This introductory-level, easy-to-learn set of 20 movements helps dissolve tension, reduce chronic pain, and improve balance. Based on the ancient Chinese principles of activation and circulation of energy (chi), T’ai Chi Chih® is an easily adaptive and enjoyable program that can be done by anyone, regardless of age or physical ability. Comfortable clothing is recommended.

Eight Thursdays: 9/14 through 11/2

7:30 – 8:30 am | $132

Yoga on the Trails

With John McElderry

Walk fully present through the Mt. Cuba natural lands loop with designated stops for yoga postures and meditation. John McElderry will help bring the spiritual path alive on the trail itself in the splendor of nature. Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and yoga mat with a strap for carrying, and be prepared for hilly (sometimes steep) and uneven terrain.

Section A: Wednesday 10/4

10 am – 12 pm | $29

(Rain Date: Wednesday 10/11)

Section B: Saturday, 10/14

10 am – 12 pm | $29

(Rain Date: Saturday, 10/21)

Fitness Walks in Nature

With Eileen Hazard

Enjoy the natural beauty of Mt. Cuba’s gardens, forests, and meadows this fall and winter as you experience the change of seasons – from autumn’s foliage to winter’s serenity. Become familiar with our native flora as you improve your health and explore the extensive walking trails in our natural lands. Each walk will be different and will cover approximately 2.5 to 3 miles. Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and be prepared for hilly (sometimes steep) and uneven terrain.

Section A: Fall

Three Thursdays, 10/19, 10/26, and 11/2

9 – 10:30 am | $29

(Snow Date: Thursday, 11/9)

Section B: Winter

Three Thursdays, 1/25, 2/8, and 2/22

9 – 10:30 am | $29

(Snow Date: Thursday, 2/29)

Shinrin-yoku: Forest Bathing

With Anisa George

Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is rooted in the traditional Japanese reverence for the natural world and dedicated to promoting health, happiness, and a sense of awe. Anisa George, a certified forest therapy guide, facilitates a series of interactions with nature that cultivate presence, calm, and profound joy. Discover how to unlock the door to new connections and intimacy with the environment through this guided meditation. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle and snack, a light backpack to carry your belongings, and something comfortable to sit on in case of wet ground.

Section A: Sunday 9/17, 9 am – 12 pm | $39

Section B: Sunday 10/8, 9 am – 12 pm | $39

Section C: Sunday 11/19, 9 am – 12 pm | $39

Herbal Properties of Native Plants

With Rachelan Griffin

Learn some of the wonderful medicinal properties of our native plants, and how to propagate, preserve, and protect our native powerhouses! Rachelan will touch on the history of herbalism in the United States, modern herbal research regarding properties of native plants, and how to grow and preserve native herbals in your own garden. Take home a native spicebush, Lindera benzoin.

Saturday 9/30, 10 am – 12 pm | $49

Using Medicinal Herbs

With Rachelan Griffin

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to treat minor illnesses at home without the use of pharmaceuticals? Native herbals as well as common kitchen herbs could help your family stay well in cold and flu season. Learn how to prepare simple healing dishes for health, and how to incorporate common household spices into healing remedies. Discover what plants you can grow in your garden to help promote health, and how to preserve, store, and prepare those plants to make herbal remedies in your own kitchen. Take home a useful tool to get started with making your own herbal remedies.

Saturday 2/17, 10 am – 12 pm | $49

(Snow Date: Saturday, 2/24)

Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body, and Soul

With Holly Merker

Finding balance in our busy and pressured lives can be challenging, but if we allow an appreciation of birds and nature to slow us down we improve our overall well-being. Research shows that exposure to nature actively reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, while helping build a stronger heart and immune system. Birds are gateways into deeper experiences with nature, magnifying these benefits. Through the mindful observations of birds and their habitats, we learn not only about them, but about ourselves.

Saturday 4/27, 1 – 3 pm | $29