A glimpse into Root & Rise happenings: a virtual demo, updates about our free-of-charge program & our nursery, and a closing word about our dear friend, Fear.

Therapeutic Horticulture for the Wise & Aging

Depending on an older person’s strengths, needs, and goals, the benefits of therapeutic horticulture can range from increased socialization to engagement in physical activity to gained feelings of independence. Given the right setting, proper guidance, and appropriate tools and materials, older people – including those maintaining their health and those with dementia – can improve quality of life through interaction with nature and its elements. 

This is the great appeal of therapeutic horticulture: it’s highly adaptable and can be made accessible to all. 

Take these adaptive gardening tools - a handle adapter and this garden scooter - or this funky and functional egg-shaped paintbrush with comfortable grip. For those with unique physical needs, these tools can make a project more enjoyable, and success more achievable.

Workshop layout and project format can also be adapted based on needs and goals. For a group of older people who strive for more (but mild) physical activity, we might place the garden supply table 20 feet from the work table, encouraging light exercise as they walk to and from in order to complete the project. Or, a person who has memory loss might benefit from orientation to the present moment – for this person, we could offer a stationary sensory tour, bringing bright flowers, fragrant herbs, soft leaves, and moist moss to the table for exploration. There are so many ways to spin a workshop. This is why we love what we do.  

Mahalo to the Alzheimer's Association, Aloha Chapter for an opportunity to collaboratively present about brain health and therapeutic horticulture. To watch our presentation and demo, click here. Plus, get a sneak peek into our studio at Pāpā Forest!

Nature & Art as Therapy

Our Forest Mindfulness workshop last month resonated with people in different ways: some were reminded of childhood, some were drawn to “the practice of collective artistry,” some inspected every detail of mushrooms and fern spores, some simply observed in peace. And some shared their stories and contagious laughter with new acquaintances.

Nature & Art as Therapy, our free program that offers a unique approach to mental health support, has become a Root & Rise highlight, especially for participants from supportive, transitional living homes who don’t always have access to healing opportunities like ours. We appreciate mental health workers, like Mona & Chad, who escort and give their clients the Root & Rise experience. And a huge thank you to Lindy Hirst, who assisted with this workshop and is a vast ocean of experience, insight, and talent.

Forest Mindfulness was the final workshop sponsored by a Vibrant Hawai’i micro-investment awarded in May 2022. Mahalo nui loa, Vibrant Hawai’i, for supporting the continuation of this program and empowering our community in a multitude of ways. If you haven’t already, visit vibranthawaii.org to check out their impactful work. 

*As always, photos are shared with consent.

Up Next

Nature & Art as Therapy is not only a product of passion and a display of love, but also an opportunity to provide something different for people who need it most. With many of our participants qualifying as low-income, paired with our firm belief that finances should never be a barrier to personal growth opportunities rooted in the arts and ‘āina (the land), we’re committed to keeping the program free-of-charge. To do so, we are actively applying for grants and pursuing avenues for cross-subsidization (including online store and nursery sales). 

Closing

Fear has a (not so) funny way of unapologetically and tirelessly creeping into our thoughts, our behavior, our relationships, and our bodies. At best, fear is a reminder of our limits and impermanence, or is the catalyst for growth. At worst, it can be nagging, discouraging, or parallelizing. 

This excerpt was shared during our women’s workshop last month. It’s a letter to Fear, from Elizabeth Gilbert’s, Big Magic.

“Dearest Fear: Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip together. I understand you’ll be joining us, because you always do. I acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to do in my life, and that you take your job seriously…But I will also be doing my job on this road trip, which is to work hard and stay focused. And Creativity will be doing its job, which is to remain stimulating and inspiring. There’s plenty of room in this car…Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way…You’re allowed to have a seat, and you’re allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote…But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive.”

We invite you to take part in this practice: write a letter to Fear. What do you need to say?