True Wellness: Nurturing Body, Soul & Planet

in 8 days

When

Saturday, May 2nd 2026 at 09:30 US/Central

Science of Spirituality International Meditation Center

Free Event!

Join us and Science of Spirituality for a half-day retreat to nurture the body, soul and planet with an opening by indigenous voices, chair yoga, meditation, and a keynote from Alison Paul of the Conservation Foundation, “Nurture Nature: Helping the Earth that Heals Us.” A complimentary lunch will be served along with support from community conservation and garden groups.

Keynote Speaker: Alison Paul
The Conservation Foundation’s Vice President of Community Conservation and certified Forest Therapy Guide. She has more than 15 years of experience working to strengthen people’s connections to themselves, others, and the place where they live.

FAQ Did you know?

Indigenous Conservation Community Sustainability Wellness

Where

4105 Naperville Road, Lisle, IL, USA

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Organizer

The Conservation Foundation

Simply put, we save land and we save rivers, and we’ve been at it for more than 50 years. Founded in 1972, The Conservation Foundation is one of the region’s oldest and largest not-for-profit land and watershed conservation organizations dedicated to preserving and restoring open space, protecting rivers and watersheds and promoting stewardship of the environment in northeastern Illinois. We focus our work in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties, but have also had the honor of working on significant projects in Cook, DeKalb, Grundy and LaSalle Counties.

FAQ

How can I support the Conservation Foundation and the event's mission if there isn't a donation drive?

There are many meaningful non-monetary ways to help: sign up for the Foundation's mailing list and volunteer rosters, join local restoration or garden projects, adopt native plants and pollinator-friendly landscaping at home, participate in citizen-science platforms (e.g., iNaturalist), amplify the message on social media, and attend future workshops or volunteer days. Asking exhibitors how to get involved or requesting starter resources at the event often leads to concrete next steps.

What’s the best way to engage with indigenous speakers and conservation groups respectfully and effectively?

Listen with attention, refrain from recording or photographing without permission, hold questions until presenters invite them, and avoid treating cultural practices as commodities. If you want to help, ask how to support indigenous-led initiatives directly (donations to specified organizations, advocacy, amplifying their work). Follow guidance given during ceremonies or rituals and respect any boundaries about participation.

How can I turn the retreat’s practices into lasting impact for my health and the planet?

Choose a few small, measurable habits to sustain: a short daily meditation or breathing practice, a weekly chair-yoga routine, and one local conservation action (planting native species, starting a compost bin, eliminating one lawn pesticide, or joining a stream cleanup). Track progress with simple metrics (minutes meditated per week, number of native plants added, volunteer hours) and connect with local groups for accountability and opportunities to scale your efforts.

How can I make the most of conversations with community conservation and garden groups at the event?

Prepare a short introduction about your interests, ask for specific ‘first steps’ or upcoming volunteer dates, request contact info or mailing-list signups, and look for hands-on opportunities (plant swaps, planting parties, citizen-science events). Take notes on resource sheets, ask about beginner-friendly projects, and follow up within a week to stay engaged.

Are there any weather or health precautions I should prepare for?

Dress in layers and bring sun protection if parts of the retreat are outdoors. Bring a reusable water bottle and any personal allergy or medications (pollen can be high during spring). Wear comfortable clothing suitable for chair yoga. If you’re feeling unwell, please stay home and check whether event materials or recordings are available online. Carry hand sanitizer and follow any onsite health guidance from organizers.

Did you know?

Spending as little as 120 minutes per week in nature is associated with higher levels of health and well‑being — you can split that time across short visits to parks, trails, or community gardens.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3

Forest‑based activities and 'forest bathing' (shinrin‑yoku) have been shown in multiple studies and reviews to reduce stress, lower cortisol and blood pressure, and improve mood — great reasons to join guided nature walks and mindful outdoor sessions.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5580555/

Community gardening and regular gardening are linked to increased fruit and vegetable consumption, better mental health, and stronger social ties — joining local garden groups helps both people and the planet.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5409577/

Indigenous stewardship of land frequently supports high biodiversity and carbon storage; partnering with and listening to Indigenous voices strengthens conservation and community resilience.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-018-0100-6

Brief nature experiences can reduce rumination and decrease activity in brain regions associated with negative self‑reflection, lowering risk factors for depression and anxiety—participating in meditative time outdoors can help mental well‑being.

https://www.pnas.org/content/112/28/8567

Access to green spaces encourages physical activity and is associated with lower rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease, so activities like chair yoga or outdoor walks are powerful public‑health actions.

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241513003