Healthy Acadia invites community members to join a virtual workshop, “Ecopsychology and Mindfulness: Healing with Nature” on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 5-6 p.m. via Zoom. This free event, featuring special guest Dennis Kiley, is part of Healthy Acadia’s Monthly Mindfulness series.
In today’s fast-changing world, from the effects of climate change to social challenges, stress and anxiety are becoming more common. Ecopsychology is a field that looks at the strong bond between people and nature. It explores how spending time outdoors, whether walking in the woods or being around animals, can help reduce climate anxiety, boost personal well-being, and benefit the environment.
During this interactive workshop, Kiley will introduce participants to ecopsychological strategies, principles, and practices to help navigate these challenges. Participants will learn how the intersection of psychology and nature can benefit people and the environment. The program will feature a brief presentation, hands-on activities, and group discussion. Kiley will demonstrate how tapping into our connection with nature can be a powerful tool for healing, reducing climate anxiety, and managing stress in our daily lives.
Kiley, who lives with his wife Johannah Blackman and two children on Mount Desert Island, is the founder of the EcoPsychology Initiative. EPI offers a range of classes and programs for communities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that apply nature and psychology to foster healing and healthy change. Kiley is also a psychotherapist, life coach, and long-time meditation and yoga practitioner and teacher. He is a co-founder of A Climate To Thrive, a community coalition working to transition Mount Desert Island off fossil fuels, and recently helped lead efforts to promote programming on psychological resilience on behalf of the Maine Climate Council.
Pre-registration is required for this free event. To register and receive the Zoom link, visit bit.ly/mindful-11724.
For more information about this event or other mindfulness programs, contact Ursula Hanson at [email protected]. To stay updated on future events, subscribe to Healthy Acadia’s e-newsletter or visit healthyacadia.org/hpm-mindfulness-for-health.
Healthy Acadia is a 501(c)(3) community health organization dedicated to building vibrant communities and making it easier for everyone to lead healthy lives. Serving Washington and Hancock counties, the organization provides community health support and leadership across Maine. For more information, visit healthyacadia.org.
