Mind, Body, Spirit
Practice the calming rhythms of breathing, movement and meditation in a tranquil garden setting. Engage in revelatory self-exploration rooted in nature and discover the historic connections between plants and the spirit.
Classes are offered in-person, as synchronous (live) online programs, or using hybrid methods with both in-person and virtual content. Class delivery methods are denoted next to each listing as VIRTUAL, IN-PERSON, or HYBRID.
Note: if you wish to sign up for a multi-session class after the start date, the registration system will automatically prorate your fee to cover remaining sessions.
Class Schedule August – December 2023
Lessons through Nature Series IN-PERSON
NEW! Finding Connection Through Awe | August 30
In this workshop, we will examine our own story with nature, stretching back to our earliest memories of the natural world. We will share our moments of awe, unearth our feelings around nature through photos, explore our ecological self through a series of reflective questions, and find awe in the Garden by observing through different perspectives. Instructor: Sarah Croscutt
Learning Opportunities for All Series IN-PERSON
We believe that all adults in our community should have access to plant-based, nature-focused learning opportunities. The learning opportunities in this series offer several pricing tiers so you can register at the amount you’re able to pay.
NEW! Exploring Our Ecological Self | September 13
Using the Incanto sculpture, Ancestors, as inspiration, we’ll delve deeper into our relationships with our ancestors and the role they play in cultivating our relationship with nature. We’ll explore the development of our “ecological self,” or a self that transcends individualism to recognize the healing that we can achieve for ourselves, our community, and our natural world when we live in harmony with all living beings. Instructor Sarah Croscutt will guide you in a visit to the Ancestors sculpture in Flagler Garden as part of this class.
NEW! The Legacy of Black Herbalism | October 4
When enslaved Africans were brought to America, many of their traditions were taken away from them once they arrived. One exception to this rule, however, is the legacy of herbalism for their medicinal, dietary and cultural usage. Plants such as cotton, black walnut, witch-hazel and dogwood were used for a variety of purposes in their communities. Debra Freeman will guide you through this rich history and lead you on a tour that will feature examples of some of these plants in the Garden’s collections.
One-Day Yoga Workshops IN-PERSON
NEW! Project Yoga Richmond: Asana and Breathwork at the Garden | August 12
Join J Miles and Project Yoga Richmond for a joyful morning of community and mindfulness at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden! Together we will cultivate intentional breath and move through a physical practice to embody the transformation that is taking place in our city and throughout the world.
NEW! Rooted at the Garden: Exploring Yoga’s Standing Postures | September 7
Rooting, or grounding, is an important tenant of yoga practice, especially in the standing postures. What better place to do that than at the Garden! Please join Iffet Davis, E-RYT for a special yoga class where we’ll explore drawing energy from the earth to strengthen our legs and core, and then allow ourselves to “melt” into some deeply satisfying, relaxing stretches.
NEW! Project Yoga Richmond: Saturday Salutations at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | September 9
Join J Miles of Project Yoga Richmond and Suzanne Burns of Humble Haven Yoga for a transformational morning of yoga and community at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden! Together we will move, breathe, and intentionally embody the transformation that is taking place in our city through our physical practice.
NEW! Bilingual Yoga | October 4
Through a slow flow, instructor Michelle Israel will guide you into a gentle practice that will help you connect with your own self and the community. Incorporating different tools like meditation, mudras, breath work, or essential oils, this class will allow you to feel grounded and find joy and peace in every day. Instruction will be provided in both Spanish and English. Being a native Spanish speaker, Michelle offers a safe space for those who want to learn something new, find a new perspective, or deepen their practice while feeling restored. (haga clic aquí para español)
NEW! “Led” it Out: Yoga to the Music of Led Zeppelin | October 13
ROCK out to a choreographed yoga class set to the music of Led Zeppelin with instructor Iffet Davis! Touted as one of the best rock bands of all time, we will “Ramblin’ On” to some of Led Zeppelin’s best-known tunes and some deeper tracks you may not have ever heard. You’ll leave this class feeling a “Whole Lotta Love” for this creative approach to enjoying yoga in the Garden!
One-Day Mindfulness Workshops IN-PERSON
NEW! Mindfulness at the Garden | September 6
Join Nana Korantemah Pierce Williams for a mindfulness journey at the Garden. Korantemah will guide you in mindful discovery of awareness by engaging each of the five sculptures that comprise the exquisite Incanto exhibit in this practice. Explore the story that each sculpture is telling you in the moment while practicing and breathing together in community with a small group of others.
One Day Tai Chi Workshops IN-PERSON
Come to Your Senses: A Garden Experience | October 21
Explore the various ways we open our awareness and bond with the living world around us. This workshop led by Rie Monique Cherie utilizes mindfulness of the senses to explore the garden. Modern Qigong movements accentuate sight, hearing, touch, temperature, and textures of the ground and plants.
Tuesday Yoga at the Garden IN-PERSON
Practice yoga’s calming rhythms of breathing, movement and posture in a tranquil Garden setting with Rie Monique Cherie. This is a gentle yoga class with a therapeutic approach.
August-September Tuesday Yoga at the Garden | August 22, 29, September 5, 12, 19, 26
October-November Tuesday Yoga at the Garden | October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7
November-December Tuesday Yoga at the Garden | November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 12, 19
Thursday Yoga at the Garden IN-PERSON
Practice yoga’s calming rhythms of breathing, movement and posture in a tranquil Garden setting with Rie Monique Cherie. This is a gentle yoga class with a therapeutic approach.
September-October Thursday Yoga | September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12
October-November Thursday Yoga | October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16
November-December Thursday Yoga | November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 28
Vinyasa Flow Yoga at the Garden IN-PERSON
Join Iffet Davis, ERYT-200, for a delightful flowing yoga practice in our beautiful gardens! Choose between Wednesday evening or Saturday afternoon for a flowing practice that will ground you, relax you and strengthen your legs and core.
August Wednesday Yoga | August 9, 16, 23, 30
October-November Wednesday Yoga | October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15
December Saturday Yoga | December 2, 9, 16
Monday Tai Chi at the Garden IN-PERSON
Experience the grace and beauty of movement meditation through the 5 Elements Form of Tai Chi. Join Rie Monique Cherie in community to explore your inner nature and the nature of the gardens while building strength, fostering mobility and increasing balance.
September-October Monday Tai Chi | September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9
October-November Monday Tai Chi | October 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13
Tuesday Tai Chi at the Garden IN-PERSON
Experience the grace and beauty of movement meditation through the 5 Elements Form of Tai Chi. Join Rie Monique Cherie in community to explore your inner nature and the nature of the gardens while building strength, fostering mobility and increasing balance.
August-September Tuesday Tai Chi | August 22, 29, September 5, 12, 19, 26
October-November Tuesday Tai Chi | October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14
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