Chicago Botanic Garden Spring 2019

Regenstein School | Adult Education 64 To register, visit chicagobotanic.org/education or call (847) 835-6801. Shinrin-Yoku Forest Bathing Shinrin yoku , Japanese forest bathing, refers to the practice of immersing all of your senses in the healing forest to reduce stress hormones and increase immune function. Connect with forest life around you through mindful activities on a gentle walk, typically covering less than a mile, and ending with a simple tea ceremony utilizing native plants. Dress for the weather. This class may be taken multiple times. Sally Peterson, certified nature and forest therapy guide $40/$50 | Meet at McDonald Woods Shelter Saturday, April 27, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or $40/$50 | Meet at Circle Garden for a Wood- land Walk Saturday, May 18, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or $40/$50 | Meet at Plant Evaluation Garden for Evening Island walk Saturday, June 15, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. New! Earth Day Forest Bathing $28/$35 | Meet at McDonald Woods Shelter Monday, April 22, 6 – 7:45 p.m. New! Summer Solstice Forest Bathing $28/$35 | Meet at the entrance to the Dwarf Conifer Garden Friday, June 21, 1 – 2:45 p.m. New! Laugh it Off with Laughter Yoga Laughter is the best medicine. This fun, interactive workshop combines simulated laughter exercises with breathing techniques to produce a wide range of physical, psychological, and emotional benefits. Medical research shows even if you pretend to laugh, your body produces “happiness chemicals.” Suitable for all fitness levels. Dress for comfort. This class may be taken multiple times. Debbie Friend, M.S., owner LifeCurrents $20/$25 | Classroom 1, Learning Center Saturday, April 27, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. or $20/$25 | Classroom 1, Learning Center Saturday, May 4, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. or $20/$25 | Linnaeus Room, Regenstein Center Saturday, June 22, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. New! DIY Cleaning Supplies with Essential Oils The average person is exposed to 72,000 syn- thetic chemicals each year; some of them toxic. Reduce your body’s exposure to chemicals in the home and save money by making your own powerful and nontoxic cleaning products. Create and take home an all-purpose spray, wood polish, bathtub cleaner, and window cleaner with directions for use and recipes for refills. All supplies included. Melissa Leger $56/$70| Classroom 4, Learning Center Saturday, April 27, 10:30 a.m. – noon Outdoor Walking Workout Exercising in “green space” stimulates your mind and body, providing benefits a gym could never surpass. Build endurance, work on pos- tural alignment, gain core strength, increase cardiovascular capacity, and improve balance. Suitable for all fitness levels. Wear comfort- able clothing and walking shoes. Dress for the weather. The convenient Flexible Pass option allows you to attend any five classes during the 2019 season. This class may be taken multiple times. Esther Gutiérrez-Sloan, certified personal trainer and founder, SALSArobics, Inc. $72/$90| Meet at Visitor Center All classes meet Saturdays, 8 – 9 a.m. Sessions are five weeks. Session 1: Begins May 4 (no class May 25) Session 2: Begins June 15 Session 3: Begins July 20 Session 4: Begins September 7 Session 5: Begins October 12 $84/$105 for five-session Flexible Pass New! Stress Reduction Techniques and Practice More than 76 percent of Americans indicate they experience mild to severe stress. Apply techniques used to release tension as you practice mindful breathing and enjoy a guided relaxation session. Class includes diffusing essential oils and tips for use at home. Please bring a yoga mat or towel. Chairs are available if you prefer to stay upright. Melissa Leger $24/$30| Linnaeus Room, Regenstein Center Thursday, May 23, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Meditation Walk: The Cycles of Life Walking meditation is an ancient, contempla- tive practice designed to encourage profound spiritual connections. Relax and renew as you slowly walk around the Great Basin, making four stops for guided meditation to focus on birth, growth, loss, and new life. Wear com- fortable clothing and walking shoes. Dress for the weather. Mary Ann Spina, teacher, writer, and counselor $20/$25| Meet at the Visitor Center Saturday, June 1, 2018, 8 – 10 a.m.