City of Forest Day: Nature Immersion/Forest Bathing in Astoria Park

This event will be co-sponsored by the NYC Parks City of Forest Day.

Saturday, October 15th from 11am to 12:30pm

Location: The group will meet at 11am ET on the northern end of Astoria Park, in the grassy field close to the corner of Ditmars Boulevard and 19th Street (see the red pin on the attached map). Look out for our group in the field - Dan or Vanessa will keep an eye out for anyone entering the park who may be looking for us. Please arrive on time. Thank you.

shinrin-yoku- a Japanese term translated to mean "forest bathing" or "absorbing the forest atmosphere", is beginning to make it's way to the west.

Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve feelings of happiness, among other benefits. Incorporating the two healing modalities of mindfulness meditation and nature immersion, Dan McFadden and Vanessa Heller lead this immersive meditation practice focused on helping us reconnect with our environment and ourselves. Join us this summer! Guided seated and walking meditations will be incorporated.

Dan is a certified meditation teacher and nature therapy practitioner living in New York City. He teaches mindfulness meditation for all experience levels and age groups with the intention of helping students develop their own skills to be present and self-regulate. Learn more at Dan-McFadden.com

Vanessa is a licensed clinical social worker with over two decades of experience. Her spiritual path began back in social work school and has continued to evolve over the years by following different teachers, practicing yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and engaging in her own healing work. Vanessa's excited to share her passion for nature and the outdoors as a tool for healing and self-discovery. Whether in an urban jungle or out in the woods, nature is always the best temple.

If you are able to offer financial support (we suggest $5-$10 for this event), please send your donation via the PayPal app or website to our email address: mindfulastoria@gmail.com. This will enable us to continue offering programs, and to continue to give donations to Astoria First Presbyterian Church--where we meet for in-person and hybrid sessions. (No one will ever be turned away due to lack of funds.)