Mindfulness-based plant therapy set March 16

HealTree will present Let’s Grow: Plant Therapy from 6 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 16, at 632 Savannah Road, Suite 9, Lewes.

Heather Spencer and Maxine Middlebrook will facilitate an evening of mindfulness-based plant therapy. Participants will be guided through a meditation and then create their own crystal planter box while focusing on present-moment awareness. Cost is $50 per participant, and all materials are included.

To sign up, go to healtree.co. For more information, call 302-827-4683.

Being mindful is the human ability to be fully present and aware of one’s surroundings and actions. Mindful practices may help one manage overwhelming feelings and decrease reactionary responses to external stimuli. Mindfulness can be practiced without limitations, anywhere and at any time.

Practicing mindfulness activates a unique brain state that can result in long-term changes in the brain and its structure. Research shows that mindfulness improves one's health and well-being. Through mindfulness practices, one can decrease anxiety, depression and burnout; boost immune function; and improve focus and mental clarity.

Mindfulness also may help increase one’s understanding and awareness of underlying thoughts, which supports the ability to overcome intrusive thoughts, judgments and bias. In 34 randomized trials, researchers found that mindfulness is effective in addiction recovery by increasing one’s awareness of personal triggers. Thus, the person in recovery can implement coping strategies to help avoid relapse.

Mindfulness research is also showing great promise in pain management. Studies reveal that mindfulness improves one’s ability to self-regulate pain and decreases one’s pain sensitivity.

To sign up, go to healtree.co. For more information, call 302-827-4683.