Hold and Listen, Yin Yoga w/ Erika 10/5 at 9am

Piloted in 2021, "WELLderness: An Outdoor Wellness Series" was developed to bring members of the community together (in person and online) to engage in activities that would have a positive impact on their physical and mental health and well-being. Throughout the year, people have the opportunity to participate in FREE events that center around fostering better connections to self and the environment.

**Masks are no longer required. They remain optional for those who wish to wear one during a Friends event**

About the Instructor

Erika, (200 Hour YTT) has been working at the intersection of education, food, and agriculture for about 15 years. Having been a teacher in traditional classrooms, out of school settings, and various community-responsive projects and organizations, she brings a perspective of wholistic, individual and communal wellness to her offerings. Erika has a passion for empowering communities by helping people tap into their inner knowing and resources and helping them to notice all of the support around them in the natural world. Erika is a community herbalist, Master Gardener, fledgling beekeeper, and a passionate coach and educator.

What you will be doing

Yin & Listen is a slow yoga exploration. In this slower flow, participants will work with the heat of the season and the sounds and elements of the outdoors to hold poses for 3 to 5 minutes. Alternatives, modifications, and variations will be offered to make the flow accessible for all participants.

The yin style of yoga allows participants to move past the muscle fibers and into the more rigid fascia that encases those muscles. It also requires participants to tap into other aspects of the yoga practice including using the breath to create more space and relief in moments of discomfort (pranayama), focusing the attention on a singular point (pratyahara), withdrawing the senses from outward to inward (dharana), and meditation (dhyana).

Sessions will start with a simple guided meditation to tap into the breath, notice the mind’s movements, and set the intention of focus. They will end with a breathing exercise and moving the focus inward during savasana or seated savasana. This is the restorative practice we need during the heat of the summer and its busy demands.

When

Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 9:00am to 10:15am. Check-in opens at 8:45am.

Where

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave Northeast, Washington, DC 20019. Participants will meet at the picnic area past the visitor center.

Getting There

Visitors should enter the park on Douglas St and Anacostia Ave at the green ranger tent. Street parking only available while park maintenance is being done. By Metro, the park entrance is 1.0 mile from the Deanwood Metro Station and 1.3 miles from the Minnesota Ave Station, both on the Orange Line. By foot or bike, access the park via the Anacostia River Trail.

What to Bring

Participants should bring a water bottle, yoga mat, snack, bug spray, sun protection, and/or anything else one may carry when spending time outdoors. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for being outdoors.

Contact

For questions or concerns reach out to Alivia at [email protected].

Learn about Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (@kenaqgardens) and visit us at www.kenaqgardens.org.

Host or Publisher Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens