Restore and Renew: A Wellness Day with MAR
On Saturday, November 8th, MAR hosted Restore and Renew: A Wellness Day with MAR — a half-day retreat held at the Terry Tomalin Campground at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Through yoga, a guided nature walk, sound healing, and nourishing food, this restorative experience was designed to nurture mind, body, and spirit while deepening our connection to self, community, and the natural world.
Morning Mindfulness
The day began bright and early at 9 a.m. with a restorative yoga flow led by Andrew Ward of Sunstate Yoga. As sunlight filtered through the cabin overlooking the water, participants gently stretched and grounded themselves in mindfulness, setting the tone for a day of reflection and renewal.
Connecting with Nature and Self
Following yoga, Dr. Rebecca Presley, Transformation Life Coach and founder of Sunshine Wellness and Learning, guided participants through a session exploring how the patterns and rhythms of nature mirror our own inner cycles. This workshop highlighted how humans and nature are deeply intertwined, reminding us that we are part of nature, not apart from it. The session concluded with a 20-minute silent nature walk through Boyd Hill’s serene trails.
A Nourishing Pause
After the walk, participants gathered for a wholesome Mediterranean-style lunch prepared by Chef Nikki Shumann, founder of Edibowl. Each bowl featured fresh, seasonal ingredients, including quinoa, chicken, salad greens, tomatoes, olives, chickpeas, edamame, and snap peas, creating a colorful and nutrient-packed meal. Enjoying lunch at picnic tables by the water, guests sipped on refreshing beverages from Herban Flow and LMNT, soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
Restorative Sound Journey
The retreat concluded with a Restorative Sound Journey led by Sunny Stewart of Wyld Harmony Creativity and Wellness. The gentle tones of sound bowls filled the room, guiding participants into a deep state of relaxation, a perfect ending to a day devoted to restoration and renewal.
We extend heartfelt thanks to our incredible facilitators, Andrew, Rebecca, Nikki, and Sunny, for sharing their time, gifts, and energy. And thank you to everyone who joined us for this beautiful morning of mindfulness and connection.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to join MAR and experience the healing power of nature firsthand. 🌞
