Despite the inclement weather on Saturday, August 17, the Eco-Mindfulness and Sweetgrass class was held as scheduled at the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust, located at 2955 Edge Hill Rd. in Huntingdon Valley. This third class of a three-part monthly summer series was facilitated by naturalist Erica Blatt, who has her PhD in Environmental Education and is certified in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
Participants of these classes practiced mindfulness and nature meditation together, along with engaging in a monthly book discussion of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s best-selling book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Kimmerer weaves together indigenous story-telling and wisdom from nature with knowledge based on her own professional background as an ecologist.
Each session included a short guided sitting meditation, a mindful slow walk in the woods (weather permitting), and a discussion of one chapter of the book. Each chapter is written as a stand-alone essay, and participants were encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts about these readings.
Although the majority of this last session was held indoors, the weather cleared up just in time for students to have their calming meditation walk at the end of class.
Next month begins another three-part class series at the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust entitled, “Despite Mindfulness in Nature.” These classes, also being facilitated by Erica Blatt, will take place Saturdays: Sept. 14, Oct 5, and Nov 2 from 10:15 to 12 pm.
During this upcoming fall class series, participants will explore some of the key tenets of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and nature-based sensory activities. The classes will integrate techniques, such as guided sitting and walking meditation and breathing techniques with sensory activities in nature, and will include time for reflection and discussion. Participants will discover how nature can both comfort and heal us.
The Pennypack Trust offers many other monthly events and classes for all ages. This privately owned nature preserve also has eleven miles of woodland, meadow, and creekside trails for hikers of all levels. It has over 3,000 members who support its land preservation, stewardship, education, and research goals.
For more information about all that the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust has to offer, visit https://pennypacktrust.org/.