On Friday, July 14th community members and Firesouls from across the Network gathered at Crispus Attacks Park for some morning yoga and an afternoon picnic.
Just before 11am, community members emerged from their homes and laid down their mats. Julia Oliver, from Rooted Recovery led the group in a relaxed flow centered around nature. The lush trees that line the park offered the perfect amount of shade to keep cool. The park was serene, as the greenery absorbed the sounds of the city, creating a peaceful space for the morning’s practice. It was serendipitous also having people stumble across the event, grab a mat, and jump in!
Not only did we welcome D.C. based Firesouls such as Stephanie Eyocko and Mandy Lee from Wangari Gardens in D.C., we were also joined by Doncella Wilson and Vanessa Truxon from Minary’s Dream Alliance in Chestertown, MD and Dick Blackburn from Barton Park in Arlington, VA, among other Firesouls from around the DMV.
As Yoga wrapped up, participants came over to the picnic area to look through some of Nature Sacred’s Programming Guides, including two new guides: Programming 101 and Kids and Family Programming. Community members mingled with staff and Firesouls, eager to learn more about Nature Sacred’s mission. Looking through the programming guides, one community member lifted her head and shared, 
“This is going to make me tear up… just the mission! My church has all this green space that is unused – I can’t wait to share about you with them!”
It seemed she felt an immediate connection to the mission of Nature Sacred. This moment where things “click” occurs often; it is the coalescence of knowing the healing power of nature and the realization that not everyone has access to it.
As more Firesouls arrived in the park, friends were made, resources were shared, and fun was had by all. It was a magical afternoon of connection between Firesouls and community members. With lunch, cornhole, giant connect 4, and more, people celebrated one spending time with another in this beautiful nature space.
