Mindfulness in Nature
WHEN: Saturdays
@ 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Redwood Park - meet @ 2859 Burton Dr., Oakland
COST: $100 for 8-class card (valid for 10 weeks) or $15 drop-in
This new class draws on the gifts of Nature to help you cultivate mindful awareness (paying attention in the present moment, non-judgmentally). The 90-minute class will incorporate walking meditations, sound meditations, awareness of body sensation meditations, and mindful movent (gentle yoga and qigong) to develop your ability to navigate the present moment with more peace and ease. Let Nature guide you into a more harmonious way of being with yourself, and being in the world.
Research has shown that mindfulness can help:
- regulate sleep
- reduce excessive worrying
- reduce anxiety and stress
- improve low mood states
- reduce chronic pain and headaches
- improve memory and attention
- support healthy eating habits
- and more.
Call 510-219-1851 or email to register.
Earths Prayers
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
-- Wendell Berry
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I bring to the Mindfulness in Nature class?
1) Wear comfortable clothing that allows some range of motion for the yoga stretches and Qigong exercises. Layers may be appropriate - it can be windy on the ridge where we practice.
2) Comfortable shoes.
3) Sunglasses and/or a hat are recommended.
I am new to yoga; is the class right for me?
Beginners are welcome! You will receive instructions on how to move in and out of the yoga and Qigong postures safely. You also will be shown modified postures to accommodate any physical limitations with which you may be working.
Where do the classes take place?
Classes are now offered in the Redwood Regional Park. Hikes leave from and return to 2859 Burton Dr., Oakland, CA. Directions are avaible on the Contact page.
Who leads the class?
Mindfulness in Nature classes are led by Domonick Wegesin, PHD, RYT. LMT. Domonick draws on his experience in yoga, mindfulness meditation, Qigong, dance and cognitive psychology to create this unique meditative experience. He draws on his training with Jon Kabat-Zinn and other senior teachers at the University of Massachusettes Medical School to offer classes that incorporate Eastern Wisdom, poetry, movement and, of course, Mother Nature. You can read more about Domonick by clicking HERE.
When can I take a class?
Mindfulness in Nature classes are offered weekly on Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Cultivating mindfulness requires consistent practice; thus, students are strongly encouraged to sign up for the 8-class series to commit to their personal practice. However, single-class drop-ins are available. Please check the class schedule online to confirm a class, as Domonick occassionally teaches out of town.
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you... while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."
John Muir
Class Schedule
