Health & Wellness
YOGA IN THE GARDEN
Instructor: Brie Wakeland
5:30-6:45pm/ Rotunda
$35 per month Arboretum members / $45 per month non–members / $15 Drop-In per day (All fees include Arboretum Admission)
To Register please call the Education Department at 626.821.4623 or pay at the class
Step into the shady sanctuary of our gardens’ lush foliage and learn to release tension in your mind and body. Yoga has been celebrated for millennia for its ability to improve circulation, build mobility and flexibility, and support physical and psychological balance. Our gentle all-levels Garden Yoga program accesses the Arboretum’s natural tranquility to deepen your body’s capacity to heal and strengthen itself.
Brie Wakeland received her 200 hour yoga instructor certification in Rishikesh, India. She has practiced privately for 16 years and has taught in group settings since 2013. Recently she became certified to also teach children through both Yoga for Youth and Zooga Yoga. Her mission is to help each individual find a yoga practice that works best for them.
TUESDAY
6:00-7:15pm/in the Garden
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 ($45/$55)
August 7, 14, 21, 28
September 4, 11, 18, 25
5:30-6:45pm/Rotunda
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 ($45/$55)
November 6, 13, 20, 27
December 4, 11, 18 ($25/$35; (only 3 classes due to Xmas)
THURSDAY
9:30-10:45am/in the Garden
July 5, 12, 19, 26
August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 ($45/$55)
September 6, 13, 20, 27
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15, 29 (No class on Thanksgiving)
December 7, 14, 21, 28
FAMILY BIRD WALK 2018
Katy Mann, Instructor from Pasadena Audubon Society
8-10AM / Rotunda/2nd Saturday
Arboretum and Audubon members free / non-members $5 / children 12 and under admitted for free.
To Register please call the Education Department at 626.821.4623 or pay at the class
Saturday, 7/14
Saturday, 8/11
Saturday, 9/8
Saturday, 10/13
Saturday, 11/10
Saturday, 12/8
The walks are open to all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult) and all levels of birding knowledge. Bring your binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, and join our experienced birder and naturalist for a fun morning of finding and watching our fine-feathered friends.
TAI CHI
Instructor: Arnold Chien
$35 per month Arboretum members / $45 per month non–members / $15 Drop-In per day (includes Arboretum Admission)
9:00am – 10:30am / Main Entrance
To Register please call the Education Department at 626.821.4623 or pay at the class
Thursdays
Summer Session One: 7/19, 7/26, 8/09, 8/16
Summer Session Two: 8/23, 8/30, 9/06, 9/13
Fall Session One: 9/20, 9/27, 10/04, 10/11
Fall Session Two: 10/18, 10/25, 11/01, 11/08
Tai Chi is a martial art based on the theory of an ancient classic called “I Ching”. Kinetic Tai Chi is created by Master Chien based on this foundation coupling with contemporary Physics of potential & kinetic energy. The training sessions include striking, throwing & submission techniques. There are 10 levels of form to advance. Combining this advanced physical routine with Tai Chi’s rich thinking, students will benefit lifelong health, achieve mental superiority and enjoy high level combat skills.
Master Chien is the founder of Kinetic Tai Chi and 2014 Kung Fu Master of USC Pacific Asia Museum. In 2013 he became the first instructor to teach Tai Chi at the legendary Gold’s Gym, Arcadia, CA. Chien’s heavy focus on the principle of softness to conquer hardness has helped students to achieve not only the physical limitations, but their mental ones as well, thereby reach the ultimate level of “soft as silk and hard as steel”.
Forest Bathing
Instructors: Ben Page, Jackie Kuang
8:00am – 10:00am / Main Entrance
$25 Arboretum members / $35 non-members (Includes Arboretum Admission)
Pre-Registration required; To Register please call the Education Department at 626.821.4623
1st & 3rd Saturdays:
July 7 & 21
August 4 & 18
September 8 (FB DAY) & 22
October 6 & 20
November 3 & 17
December 1 & 15
Slow Down. Awaken your senses. Bear witness to yourself and all beings.
Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, Forest Bathing has been scientifically proven to boost immune strength, reduce stress, and improve cognitive functioning. But beyond these physiological changes, Forest Bathing also offers us the opportunity to deepen our relationship with the natural world. By slowing down and carefully observing with all our senses, we may begin to notice incredible things that may have eluded us for our whole lives. In escaping the rapid pace of our daily routines, we may find unparalleled beauty in the moment and in doing so, relax into the beauty all around us.
On your walk, a certified guide will offer a series of guided invitations to assist you in finding your own authentic way of interacting with the land at the Los Angeles Arboretum. The end of each walk features a tea ceremony where you will enjoy tea made from plants foraged on site and some healthy snacks! There’s no right or wrong way to do it and it’s great for all ages; just come and be yourself. It’s all welcome in the forest.
Ben ‘Crow’ Page is a certified forest bathing guide and trainer, council carrier and alternative educator based in Los Angeles. Ben was trained and certified in forest bathing in 2015, after which he founded Shinrin Yoku LA. Since his practice began, Ben has been featured in such publications as Women’s Health, USA TODAY, Sierra Magazine, Washington Post, and WebMD. Ben is also a mentor and trainer of guides with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, as well as a part time administrator specializing in trainer development and recruitment. He holds a B.A. in religious studies from Carleton College and an M.A. in human development and social change from Pacific Oaks College.
Jackie Kuang is a certified forest bathing guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT). She has been trained and mentored by Ben Page, founder of Shinrin Yoku LA. She holds an M.A. in American Literature from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Accountancy from Brigham Young University. Being fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese, she is also a highly valued language teacher, translator and business coach. She is on the board of the Chinese Parents Association for the Disabled (CPAD) and actively advocates for her autistic son. She enjoys volunteering for organizations close to her heart, including the LA Arboretum.
Mindful Garden Meditation
Wednesdays, 9:30am – 11:00am
Instructor: Jean Sudbury
$35 per month Arboretum members / $40 per month non–members / $15 Drop-In per day (includes Arboretum Admission)
To Register please call the Education Department at 626.821.4623 or pay at the class
Meet outside the Main Entrance
July 11, 18, 25 ($25/$35; only 3 classes due to Independence Day)
August 1, 8, 15, 23, 30 ($45/$55; 5 classes in the month)
September 5, 12, 19, 26
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 ($45/$55; 5 classes in the month)
November 7, 14, 21, 28
December 5, 12, 19, 26
Mindful meditation is a skill which helps a person find that union of the body, mind and spirit, which is the center of being. Mindful meditation further opens the 5 senses and brings one closer to the practice of self-healing and general wellness. The conscious act of noticing and relishing the sounds, sights and scents of the garden helps one attain the bliss of mindful meditation. Strolling together through the garden can help each individual find a path to inner strength and wellness. This is an active mindful meditation class; comfortable clothes and walking shoes are recommended.
Jean Sudbury has worked for years applying these techniques to foster mental well-being; she draws heavily on her experience as a restorative yoga & meditation teacher at the Arcadia Community Center. She is a privately trained yoga teacher who uses mindful meditation in her daily life.
International Forest Bathing Day
September 8, 2018
Whether feeling trapped in Los Angeles traffic or inundated with information on the Internet, the modern age has produced a growing sense of discontentment. Our new Forest Bathing program coaxes its participants to slow down, take a few steps back from the stresses of urban life, and simply absorb the calm of the forest. “Immerse yourself amongst the trees, and leave mind, body, and soul at ease.”
Founder of the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy (ANFT), and author of “Your Guide to Forest Bathing: Experience the Healing Power of Nature”, Amos Clifford joins the Arboretum for a special presentation on none other than International Forest Bathing Day! Amos will give an introduction on what forest bathing is, delve into what makes this practice an invaluable wellness program for the modern age, and introduce specific techniques and resources to help you get started with your own practice. The presentation will culminate with an audience Q&A followed by a book signing.
Schedule
Forest Bathing Walks: 8:00am – 10:00am
Amos Special Presentation: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Amos Book Signing: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Special Presentation Fee: $5 Arboretum Members / $10 Non-members
Introduction to Herbal Medicine
Saturday, August 18
10:00am – 12:00pm
Instructor: Irena Stathis
$25 Arboretum members / $35 non-members (Includes Arboretum Admission)
To Register please call the Education Department at 626.821.4623 or pay at the class
In this class I introduce the topics of sustainability and quality in the use of herbs and herbal products and discuss the different forms of application and preparation of herbal extracts. We will discuss some of my favorite herbs and their traditional uses. I typically cater the focus of this class to the interests of the students attending. As usual we will be touching, smelling and tasting plants and extracts of various forms and if possible we can go for a short plant walk.
Irena Stathis is a Certified Herbalist, gardener and wildcrafter and has been practicing for over 8 years. Irena began her herbal studies in the Redwood forest at Humboldt State in 2005 and has continued to develop her knowledge and understanding of herbal medicine by working directly with the plants on farms, in gardens and in the wild. Her training includes the Roots program at the California School of Herbal Studies as well as advanced apprenticeships with Candis Cantin, a master herbalist based in the Sierra foothills, and two indigenous healers in Sonoma County, CA – Phyllis Bala and Nunutsi Otterson. Since then I have opened up my own apothecary Abalone Herbals, where I handcraft body-care products, herbal medicines, extracts and elixirs.
Plant Immersions
Saturday, November 3
10:00am – 12:00pm
Instructor: Irena Stathis
$25 Arboretum members / $35 non-members (Includes Arboretum Admission)
To Register please call the Education Department at 626.821.4623 or pay at the class
Each class will focus on a different plant. We will sit with the plant and learn about its healing properties and folkloric history. Participants will get to know the plants through direct experience by touch, taste, smell, observation and intuition. There will also be several forms of extracts of the plant to sample. Everyone goes home with a fresh cutting (provided by instructor) and tools to cultivate a deeper relationship to the plants as healers.
Irena Stathis is a Certified Herbalist, gardener and wildcrafter and has been practicing for over 8 years. Irena began her herbal studies in the Redwood forest at Humboldt State in 2005 and has continued to develop her knowledge and understanding of herbal medicine by working directly with the plants on farms, in gardens and in the wild. Her training includes the Roots program at the California School of Herbal Studies as well as advanced apprenticeships with Candis Cantin, a master herbalist based in the Sierra foothills, and two indigenous healers in Sonoma County, CA – Phyllis Bala and Nunutsi Otterson. Since then I have opened up my own apothecary Abalone Herbals, where I handcraft body-care products, herbal medicines, extracts and elixirs.