Healing Through Nature: A mindful meditation to calm the nervous system.

As spiritual beings living a human experience, we have the power to balance our nervous system through mindful connection with nature. When situations or events occur that are contrary to our sensibilities, our nervous system responds, and we experience varying degrees of stress. This presentation will provide an overview of mindfulness for calming, or de-escalating the nervous-system.

Participants will be led in a guided 5-senses nature meditation. Following the presentation, attendees will receive a reflective journal to continue their healing journey and strengthen their somatic connection with nature.

Dr. Jonnie Williams is a licensed clinical psychologist, trauma specialist, prevention research scientist, evaluator, and systems-change strategist. As a trauma specialist, she provides evidence-based treatment to child and adult populations, and designs service systems that promote mental health, well-being, and equity for children and families. Dr. Williams received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2016 from the Wright Institute (Berkeley, CA). She is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and is a recognized Indigenous community leader. She was honored as a recipient of the prestigious “Native American 40 Under 40” award, for her leadership, initiative, and dedication in making significant advancements in her community. She is the founder and principal of Evolve Equity. The mission of Evolve Equity is to advance health equity, racial justice, and systems change through indigenous feminist worldview and science-based practices for groups that have been historically, socially, and economically marginalized. Services include training, evaluation and consultation. 

We honor a legacy of care for others exemplified in the generous gifts of our colleague and friend Rachil B. Vincent. She created our Love is in the Ear outreach program, to bring relief to community through free acupuncture pop-up clinics and outreach – personally giving of her time and skill. Her generosity and kindness touched a vast number of people, and her care leaves a lasting impact.