nature connection
plant wisdom
mindfulness meditation

Gathering Ground hosts private and group sessions for families and individuals in the beautiful urban refuge of Prospect Park. Each session of classes lasts 8 weeks and includes plant ID walks, a healing plant experience, and meditation instruction. Family classes are led by a guide and assistant guide to engage curious children so that parents can get the most out of their experience.

Gathering Ground has been such a beautiful part of every week! Liz and Julia are so quietly knowledgable and peaceful... Every moment with them is special. Identifying the plants and seeing them change, the slow walk with like minded people, children of all ages enjoying being outside! And the tea, meditation, and song circle are each calls to mindfulness. I'm full of admiration and gratitude for the experience, a mid-morning slow down to feel more present!

~ Sarah (and M, 11 months)

Here’s what you can expect from our sessions together:

Each class starts with a friendly greeting.

You will meet your guides at the Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park.

Together we walk and witness the healing plants that grow all around us. We continue our walk to the sacred space where we engage in activities to stimulate the senses and bring us into the present moment.

Each week there is a focused lesson on a healing plant and we will experience its medicine through drinking herbal infusions or decoctions.

Additional activities will change with the seasons.

Some of these activities include: discovering plants through the 5 senses, deep listening, walking and sitting meditation, and direct perception.

In family classes, children will be gently led by an assistant guide through parallel activities.

Babies who are not yet crawling will be carried through the activities by their parent or caregiver, with additional assistance from the guide and assistant when needed.
Each family session closes with a circle time where we all sing together.

Before beginning a session, each adult will be asked to set an intention. You'll also receive readings, herbal recipes, and talisman to help establish and support a home practice.

Gathering Ground is your space to reflect, listen to your inner wisdom, and connect with the world around you in a new way.

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find
reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.

~ Rachel Carson