Every first SUNday of the moonth, we unplug from the noise and reconnect with something real. No screens. No stress. Just fresh air, deep breaths, and sacred water.
We kicked off on May 4th with a ritual that’s all about restoration and gratitude:
Forest bathing + spring water harvest at Wayside Park.
What’s Forest Bathing?
It’s not a hike. Not a workout.
It’s a slow, mindful walk through nature where you just be — no destination, no agenda.
The Japanese call it, Shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing.” This practice was developed in the 1980s as a response to the tech-driven stress of urban life. It became a national health strategy in Japan and is still widely practiced today as a form of preventative medicine.
Shinrin-yoku encourages you to:
- Walk slowly through the woods
- Engage all your senses — listen, smell, see, touch, breathe
- Reconnect with the rhythm of the natural world
Research from Japan shows that just a few hours of forest bathing can:
• Reduce cortisol (the stress hormone)
• Lower heart rate and blood pressure
• Improve immune function
• Boost mood and mental clarity
In short: it’s not just a vibe. It’s real, ancient medicine.
Then We Hit the Spring
After walking with the trees, we head to the natural spring — flowing straight from the Earth. No filters. No plastic. Just pure, living water.
We drink it. Cook with it. Water our plants. Bathe in it. The minerals, structure, and energy of spring water hit different when it’s fresh and untouched.
And before we leave, we pause.
We give thanks by leaving “Gifts for Gaia” — flowers, herbs, fruit, written prayers, or just our full attention and gratitude.
This part of the ritual reminds us that the Earth is not a resource to take from, but a living being to be in relationship with.
If you want to understand the power of water on a deeper level, we recommend reading The Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto — a book that explores how water responds to human consciousness, words, music, and intention.
And Starting in July — We’re Bringing the Practice Home to Petersburg
Beginning in July, we’re opening up guided forest bathing sessions for the whole commUNITY — and you don’t have to leave the city to get free. We’re hosting these sessions at some of the most peaceful, powerful places right here in Petersburg:
- Petersburg Oasis CommUNITY Farm – our healing space rooted in regeneration
- Petersburg National Battlefield – where land, legacy, and stillness intersect
- Appomattox River Trail by FOLAR – a serene path beside flowing waters
- Wilcox Lake – a quiet, wooded escape full of birdsong, reflections, and calm
Whether you’re feeling stressed, stuck, or just need space to think — come walk with us. You don’t need special gear or experience. Just bring yourself.
Follow @petersburgisgrowing on IG or
Email: tcherry@petersburgisgrowing.org to get the full schedule.
Help Us Keep It Moving
We’re still raising funds to support a van so the Young Pharaohs can have reliable transportation to access all of these transformative experiences — from the spring to the soil, from classrooms to college tours.
If you believe in what we’re building, we invite you to support.
Click here to donate on Zeffy (no fees, all impact)
Every contribution helps us move with freedom and purpose.
Let’s remember together:
The healing is here — in the trees, in the water, and in us.
