The R.A. Stranahan Arboretum will host area experts in relaxation, martial arts, nature and exercise during “Finding Wellness in Nature” on Saturday, June 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Interactive demonstrations and discussions will be held throughout the arboretum grounds, with donations accepted for admission. Food and drink will also be available.
According to Don McKivett, co-organizer and instructor of the noon Tai Chi program at the arboretum, the idea for the event came from discussions he had with his students. “I kept telling my students about some of the nature-related exercises my mentor taught me. I looked around at the arboretum and said, ‘We could do this tree breathing exercise here or have someone talk about the significance of these stones.’ They kept asking me, ‘When are you going to do this?’ A friend of mine suggested June 25 and that became the day.”
Session presenters represent a wide variety of health and wellness disciplines. Angela Green, fitness coordinator at the UT Student Recreation Center, will exhibit Pilates basic principles and exercises. Entertainer Dorian Grey, who uses a blend of magic and physic abilities, will guide participants on “Memory Enhancement Through Mental Imagery.” Amy Adamczak, a Sylvania resident who is a certified Rolfer, will lead a session on the holistic therapy meant to align the body’s segments in gravity. ALMA Drum & Dance, a local group of artists, musicians and dancers who use Afro-Caribbean and modern styles, will close the day with a performance. Poet Nick Muska and a guitar player will also perform throughout the day.
Times and sessions are as follows:
- 11:30 a.m. – Ongoing open Tai Chi and “Musical Interpretations of Nature.”
- 11:45 a.m. – “Essential Blend of Health and Wellness Tech” and “Self-Protection for Women.”
- Noon – Tai Chi short form.
- 12:30 p.m. – Pilates and Reiki and Chakra balancing.
- 1 p.m. – Tai Chi sword forms.
- 1:15 p.m. – “Memory Enhancement Through Mental Imagery” and yoga.
- 2 p.m. – Aromatherapy face and skin care, “The Language of the Universe” and long form Tai Chi.
- 2:45 p.m. – Rolfing and relaxation and breathing.
- 3 p.m. – “Five Elements.”
- 3:30 p.m. – “Metatelepathetic” and “Alexander Technique.”
- 4 p.m. – Tai Chi short form.
- 4:15 p.m. – ALMA Drum & Dance performance.
For more information about the presenters and session locations, visit the arboretum’s Web site at www.arboretum.utoledo.edu or call 419.841.1007.
