Connect deeply with yourself, like-minded community, and our local ecosystems during this half-day long event, Forage and Flow. Participants will get to learn more about the wild edible and medicinal plants and mushrooms growing in our region this time of year and explore a rejuvenating Qi Gong practice outdoors.

Both workshops will be suitable for all levels and health conditions. Option for participants to attend both workshops or only one. There is no limit to attendance. Please don’t hesitate to invite friends & family that might be interested!

Bring some food for yourself and enjoy an optional community lunch outdoors with instructors and fellow participants in between workshops.

SCHEDULE (11:00 am - 3:00 pm):

• Foraging Walk - 11:00 am
• Group lunch (bring your own) - 1:00 pm
• Qi Gong - 2:00 pm

FORAGING WALK INFORMATION:

Nature is abundant with food, medicine & more yet we have forgotten our ancient ways of working with the botanical and fungal relatives growing all around us. Learning about wild foods takes some time and focus but in the process we are rewarded with greater health, happiness, resilience and connection to the natural world. In this walk we will cover topics such as:

• Plant & mushroom identification
• How to harvest sustainably and prepare different wild edible foods throughout the seasons
• Basics of botany, mycology, field herbalism and medicinal preparations
• Planting & propagation techniques
• Agroforestry principles & practices
• Temperate ecology and more

QI GONG PRACTICE INFORMATION:

The Art of Observing

Qi Gong is a term used to describe various forms of internal exercises combining relaxation, movement and breath, which stem from Ancient China. The practise has a wide range of effects including cultivation of well being, whilst opening and balancing the body’s subtle energies.

Mind/Body/Spirit Practices, such as Meditation, Yoga and Qi Gong, support the individual in grounding, energizing and centering themselves, so they are focused, relaxed and their perception of connection to nature is enhanced. When we are in the natural world our task is to synchronize so that we can observe fully our relationship to our home - this incredible sentient being - Mother Earth.

LOCATION:

Sligo Dennis Avenue Local Park
10200 Sligo Creek Pkwy, Silver spring MD

Please note that Sligo Creek Pkwy is closed on weekends so you will not be able to drive into the Sligo Dennis parking lot. Find a nice place to park your car along nearby residential streets. We’re going to meet near the public bathrooms.

PAYMENT:

• Full event price - $50
• Individual workshops - $30 each

Accepted payment methods are Venmo (Bodhi-Vasilopoulos), Paypal friends and family (bodhi.vasilopoulos@gmail.com), or Cash App (7034057299) with the memo “Forage and Flow”. Feel free to send your payment in advance or pay the day of the event.

The payment is non-refundable, although if you are not able to attend your payment can be applied to one of my other donation-based walks that I host regularly (Bodhi). Reach out to me with any questions!

INSTRUCTORS:

James Foulkes has been practicing Qi Gong and Kung Fu for 20 years and is a 19th Generation Wu Dang Dragons Gate adept. He is based in the Washington DC Area and teaches Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Qi Gong, Kung Fu and Craniosacral Therapy both nationally and internationally.

Bodhi Vasilopoulos is an avid gardener, forager & educator. He strives to be a steward, live in harmony with all beings & leave a loving footprint on the Earth. He is a regenerative farmer, community herbalist and teacher on topics such as foraging, botany, gardening and permaculture. Bodhi also helps manage Forested, a food forest farm and education center in Maryland, and collaborates with different community partners to bring about the vision of a more interconnected and harmonious world.