Adult Opportunities

Wellness Retreat

Find stillness in nature with a day of self care.

Content Detail

Focus on your wellness and spend the day immersed in nature on the peaceful grounds of The Morton Arboretum. During this one-day retreat, attend to your mind and body with gentle movement, meditation, and reflection.

Research shows that time spent among the trees has clear benefits for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Set aside the rigors of your daily routine and take time for yourself with tai chi, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness workshops.

Registration closes Monday, June 23, 2025. Register early to reserve your spot. Light morning refreshments and lunch are included.

Retreat Sessions

Arboretum Yoga

Yoga can help release stress and improve your health and well-being. Participants will practice poses, breathing, and meditation while connecting to nature in the tranquil setting of The Morton Arboretum.

Forest Therapy

Experience the healing and wellness-promoting effects of shinrin-yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. During this mindful walk, experience a series of guided, gentle invitations to open the senses, cultivate presence, and invite healing interactions between people and the natural world. End with a ceremonial tea made from plants foraged from the forest.

Dream Building 

Everyone has a dream inside of them that either needs to be uncovered, dusted off, or refined. Through a series of interactive activities, connect with your vision for the future and begin to bridge the gap between where you are now and a life you love. A good way to work through burnout or stagnation, this session will energize you to reconnect with your goals and dreams in a way that is refreshing, memorable and renewing.

Releasing Stress Through Breath and Shifting Thoughts

Explore how intentional breathing and reframing thoughts can ease stress and create inner balance. You’ll practice simple, effective techniques to shift away from stress-inducing patterns and embrace a more grounded, empowered mindset. Perfect for cultivating calm and resilience in everyday life.

This program meets in person at the Arboretum.

Instructors: Bridget Grey, transformational life coach; Laura Jamarillo, licensed clinical professional counselor, Laura Listens, LLC; Natalie Schilke, certified yoga instructor

Age: 16 and older

Course number: WELL300

Instructors

Bridget Grey, transformational life coach, Bridget Grey Coaching

Bridget Grey is a transformational life coach and a motivational speaker. She studied clinical laboratory science to earn her BS at UIC and went on to achieve her MBA. She began studying and working with the Universal Principles of Success in 2001. After dedicating more than a decade to the medical field and corporate arena, she understood that people needed more fulfillment in their daily lives. In 2019, Bridget became a certified Life Mastery Consultant to help others experience life on a different level and to confidently build their dreams. In 2023, Bridget Grey Coaching was launched. Now as a passionate high energy coach, she brings the art and science of dream building to life! Learn more at her website.

Laura Jaramillo, licensed clinical professional counselor, Laura Listens, LLC

Laura Jamarillo is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She hopes that the work she does in this world will allow people to fully love and accept themselves. She specializes in working with a variety of different anxiety disorders including eating disorders. She is a tree hugger, a mom, a yogi, a lighthouse, a friend, and always a student. Learn more at Laura Listens.

Natalie Schilke, certified yoga instructor

Natalie Schilke has been practicing yoga since 2010 and blends her love for nature and wellness into all of her teachings. She is a registered yoga teacher and also holds a certification in children’s yoga, aerial yoga, and horticultural therapy.

What to Know

This program meets indoors and outdoors. Check the forecast and dress for the weather.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Be prepared to walk on wood-chipped trails and in grass.

Light morning refreshments and lunch are included. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

Please bring the following with you:

  • A notebook
  • Something to write with
  • A yoga mat or blanket
  • A water bottle

Program Schedule

Saturday, June 28, 2025, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Arbor Room, Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), West Side

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