Description

Winter Solstice: Plant Wisdom & Nature Therapy
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a wonder-filled afternoon of nature therapy (forest bathing), plant wisdom, and a winter light ritual at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens on Saturday, December 19, from 1–4pm.
Reconnect with the wisdom of the season and the natural world as we honor the shortest day and longest night of the year. Join Kay Sidahmed of Cura Viriditas and Ilana Rubin of Kindred Nature for a meaningful afternoon in the beauty of Meadowlark’s winter landscape. Through multi-sensory nature connection, plant wisdom, and a winter light ritual, you’ll be invited to slow down, reflect, and experience the season in a new way.
What to Expect
- Slow down, awaken your senses, and tap into the energy of the Winter Solstice.
- Plant wisdom refers to the multifaceted and seasonal teachings that plants offer us for body, mind & spirit. This includes medicinal gifts, communication, and traditional wisdom drawn from stories, mythology, and folklore.
- Nature therapy (forest bathing) invites us to reconnect with nature—and our own inner nature—through immersing our senses in the natural environment, supporting wellness, creativity, focus, and belonging.
- A wonder wander & winter light ritual engages us in a meditative walk combined with a quiet and reflective ritual to carry a gentle light into the longest night.
- We’ll close our afternoon by savoring wintry warm tea and light snacks as we share reflections and a gratitude practice.
- We'll move gently—up to 2 miles on varied terrain—with every invitation adaptable.
- No experience needed; just bring your curiosity and presence.
Meet Your Guides
Kay Sidahmed, PhD, MS, Clinical Herbalist, Forest Therapy Guide, and Founder of Cura ViriditasIlana Rubin (she/her), MPA, Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, Story Weaving Facilitator, and Founder of Kindred Nature
Join Us!
Registration: $65 early bird through December 1, or $75 starting December 2. Open to ages 16 and up. All attendees are participants, and any minors must be registered and accompanied by a registered adult. Online registration is required.
Arrival: We’ll meet at the Visitor Center and start check in 15 minutes before the program start time. Please give yourself time to arrive 10-15 minutes early so we can begin together.
Bring: A water bottle
Wear: Comfortable, warm, and multi-layered weather-appropriate clothing and shoes for outdoors.
Weather: Programs run rain or shine unless conditions are hazardous.
Requests: For dietary allergies or accommodation needs, please contact Ilana at 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.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is located off Beulah Road, at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, in Vienna, Virginia.

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Age Category

Adult

Location

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA