Root & Rise Hawaiʻi July 2023 Newsletter |
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"If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it." – Margaret Fuller |
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Imagining, creating, and serving through Root & Rise is an honor and a joy. We are continually grateful for all who show up – physically or in spirit, before us, with us, and after us – to support our mission of cultivating therapeutic opportunities for mental health wellness accessible to underserved populations here on Hawaiʻi island. In a recent board meeting, we reflected on memorable Root & Rise moments. We shared the feeling of our cups overflowing with gratitude, renewed hope, and inspiration after every workshop. During workshops, we have witnessed participants – including people with severe and persistent mental illness, social service professionals, and curious community members – gain perspective and experience realizations made possible through the project content, guided discussion, or cohesion of the group as a whole. We gather this feedback through conversation and surveys, but moreover, we experience a palpable, unexplainable magic that occurs by being present with others through healing and connection. While words cannot always capture this magic, written feedback from participants gives us a sense of the experience. When asked, “what did you like about the workshop?” participants shared:
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“Creative awareness.”
“Taking care of living things has always been an easy and digestible way to get out of my own neurotic thought processes.”
“Using my imagination to create.”
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“It takes away stress & relieves bad & brings good.”
“I really appreciated being shown something and receiving a tree to continue practice with.”
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“These are the things that people need to do more of so they can remember what came before computers." "The welcoming and kindness of the group." We are moved by the willingness of our community to share and to grow. Whether you are near or far, mahalo nui loa – thank you so much – for being a part of the magic.
In gratitude, Aliza Gebin & Mona Trenae |
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Offering Root & Rise opportunities to under-resourced individuals and building our capacity (we have big dreams!) would not be possible without your support. If our mission resonates with you, please consider making a gift to Root & Rise Hawaiʻi. How can you give back? |
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| | Make a recurring monthly gift by joining The Seed Circle | | |
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| | Make a one-time gift on PayPal or Venmo @rootandrisehawaii | | |
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| | Donate craft or garden supplies, or volunteer your time or expertise! | | |
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| | Purchase māmaki tea online or in local stores, and find our native plant collection at K’s Greenhouse in Ocean View. | | |
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Intro to Bonsai Just last week, Gene Tsuji of the Waimea Bonsai Club generously imparted his skills and wisdom during a Nature & Art as Therapy workshop, Intro to Bonsai. Gene guided the group in repotting and shaping miniature juniper plants, and highlighted key points about the art’s origins and philosophy. Through the hands-on experience, participants explored aspects of self-care, living purposefully, and practicing mindfulness. |
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Mahalo Gene for sharing your gift! And mahalo to Maggie & Momi of Tropical Edibles for providing the plants and pots. |
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Sun Prints Despite the misty rain of Tropical Storm Calvin’s aftermath, we found pockets of sunshine to create sun prints at Manukā Park in Ocean View using the cyanotype process. The group of 15 included residents of Kailua Kona to Nāʻālehu, keiki and kūpuna, and a passerby tourist (who stopped for the restroom but could not resist creating a print). |
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Our process of making sun prints, which involves various steps, a bit of physical movement, and exploration of natural materials, implicitly asks participants to accept uncertainties and recognize perfection in imperfection – important life lessons! |
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Mahalo to Councilmember Michelle Galimba (District 6) for making these workshops possible! |
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Mark your calendars for August’s Nature & Art as Therapy workshops! Fliers will be shared in the coming week. |
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August 11th: Seed Paper at Waiohinu Park, Nāʻālehu August 26th: Universal Remedies & Herbal Wands at Higashihara Park, Keauhou
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Thank you again for supporting Root & Rise Hawaiʻi. |
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