[RALLY]
How did you start the ‘Mindful Mile’ program?
[MELISSA]
The Mindful Mile grew organically from my own exploration with the scienceof ‘Forest Bathing’. I’ve always loved how being in nature makes me feel:restored, rebalanced, and energized.
After experiencing an intense yearof grief over my mother’s death in2019, and then the pandemic in 2020,more than ever, spending time innature became a sanctuary.
[M]
I began sharing my experiences online with how spending time in green space improves physical, mental and emotional health. How it can help build resiliency. My hope is to continue sharing experiences with the community and curate some group/solo nature walks, trail runs and maybe even some cycling adventures in the future.
[R]
What got you starteddown this path?
[M]
A lot of it was wanting to normalizepeople seeing BIPOC in the outdoors. Recreation and leisure in the outdoors should feel like a safe space for all. I grew up going camping, skiing, hiking and spending summers up north. And very often being the only brown face in these spaces. It was challenging at times. Summer camp, where some kids experience a first crush, was the first placeI experienced racism.
I want to help push the conversation of diversity and inclusion in the outdoors. Continue to share my joy of outdoorrecreation as a part of wellness. Whether walking, hiking, trail running, paddling, climbing or cycling. Accessibility to outdoor recreation, wellness and rest should befor everyone.
[R]
What does community mean to you?
[M]
Connection, sharing, friendship, uplifting and empowering others. Giving back.
[R]
For people looking to help out those in need this winter/holiday season, what advice would you share?
[M]
Because of the pandemic, in-person volunteering with organizations is just not an option. For anyone with the ability to financially donate to organizations, three I support are: