“We can’t plan life. All we can do is be available for it.” – Lauryn Hill

What’s Happening

Under shade, we then transplanted nearly two dozen hāpuʻu ferns that would have otherwise been crushed on a roadway. “Feeling the soil and the plants,” as well as time spent with two affectionate dogs of Pāpā Forest, were highlights for the group.

The group reflected on the feelings and thoughts their gardens evoked – a secret hideaway, a place of solitude, a symbol of the future. Someone described the mountainside just above Hilo. These tiny gardens have the magic to both take us away and into ourselves.

The Beautiful Struggle

– “But I’m not creative.” – “But I don’t want to share.” –

– “But I don’t know what I’m doing.” –

Many of us don’t always feel artistic, social, or like trying something new. That is 100% normal, as we are dynamic, evolving human beings in a complex world. Naturally, sometimes our participants feel like this too, especially when experiencing significant mental health challenges or stressful life situations.

Our aim is to meet participants where they are – emotionally, socially, physically, cognitively, and as unique individuals – while gently nudging them to go outside of their comfort zones, try, and at the very least, be present. With adequate support and safety of our programs, participants can experience personal growth and healing by pushing through challenges and overcoming hurdles.

Our hope is for participants to realize how adaptive and resilient they truly are.

How can you nudge yourself in the direction of growth? 

Throwback!

“The Grounding Art Series”

In honor of our 2-year anniversary, we’d like to re-share these activities with you. Check out “The Outdoor Mindfulness” video and accompanying ʻāina-based scavenger hunt below. It may be the season for egg hunts, but there’s lots to search for in nature already!

You may have noticed that we’ve changed our name from Root & Rise Therapeutic Horticulture to Root & Rise Hawaiʻi. Therapeutic horticulture remains one piece of our vision, as we now circle back to our overarching mission of improving accessibility to integrative, unique, community-oriented mental health support.

A Moment for Gratitude

Mahalo to:

• Lester, for late-night māmaki packaging to make the present and future of our programs possible

• Maria of Miranda’s Farms, our newest local coffee shop partners for carrying our māmaki tea

• Mona, Chad, Heather, and Meg, for leadership roles as board members & frequent communicators

• Juliette, for getting her hands dirty at Pāpā Forest

• Heather & Alika of Kona Paradise Club/Hale Aikane, for exploring collaborative gardening opportunities

• Deano of Organic Matters, for a phenomenal pile of soil to support our plant sales and ʻāina-based workshops

Want to make a difference? 

We greatly appreciate and value your support!