“Roses in the Garden,” a book of photography and prose by Nature Sacred friend Ngoc Minh Ngo, began as a way to process her grief about her father’s death and became a sweeping appreciation of this flower in gardens and art. Learn more about the book here: bit.ly/42Yu31S

Welcome to your July #WellnessWednesday 🌱 This month’s meditation comes from the Garden of the Benedictine Sisters of Baltimore Emmanuel Monastery — where you’ll explore how walking a labyrinth can become a meditative practice.

Shoutout to Todd Marcus — Firesoul for a whopping FOUR Sacred Places and an internationally acclaimed jazz clarinetist! The Todd Marcus Band serenaded the community at Thanksgiving Place one spring evening as part of our Music in the Park program.

Someone left this in the journal at Jeremy’s Way: “Take care of yourself, reader — you matter.” A simple note. Left on a bench. Meant for anyone who needed it. This is what Sacred Places hold—quiet reminders of care, reflection, and connection. #Annapolis #NatureSacred

When was the last time you were invited to a garden party? This one happened at Strength to Love II, a Sacred Place in West Baltimore where neighbors came together to mark the season and celebrate what they’ve grown—on the land and in community. #NatureSacred #StrengthToLoveII

“I walk too fast. Thank you for slowing me down.” 🌾 At Brooklyn’s Naval Cemetery Landscape, even a short pause can bring you back to yourself. 🌿 #NatureSacred #BenchStory #SlowDown #BrooklynNature

"Bee Kind" — a vivid reminder from Johnston Square. This Sacred Place invites us to lead with care — for nature, for neighbors, for ourselves. #NatureSacred #BeeKind #SacredPlaceSpotlight #Baltimore #PollinatorGarden

Neighbors gathered at Filbert Street Garden for Gardening 101 🌱—kicking off a season of learning and connection. The hum of bees 🐝, the joy of shared purpose, the quiet tending of space and self.

“May you encounter and share kindness. May love find you around every corner.” Spotted in the journal at Baltimore Clayworks—a quiet reminder among clay vessels and wildflowers. Sacred Places hold space for hope. #NatureSacred #BenchStory #KindnessMatters

Kirby Lane Park hums with life—horseshoes clank, kids laugh, stories flow under the trees. And yes, hotdogs with mustard smudges make an appearance. 🌭🌳 Amid the energy, there’s room to pause. This Sacred Place in West Baltimore holds both. #NatureSacred #KirbyLanePark

At BLISS Meadows, wonder grows wild — and joy is easy to spot. 🌿 This summer, The Foxes (youngest campers 🦊) climbed trees, made art, and laughed (sometimes upside down 💚) — all in the heart of nature, right in the city. #NatureSacred #BLISSMeadows #SacredPlaceSpotlight

Feeling stuck in your own head? This journal entry from Johns Hopkins Bayview caught our eye: “Your thoughts become your actions, your actions become habit, & habits build character.” Left by a stranger. But meant for someone—maybe you. #NatureSacred #BenchStory

At Bon Secours Urban Farm, it’s not just veggies in bloom— Morning glories stretch toward the sun, and a mural reminds you who this space is for. Built by the community. Grown with purpose. #NatureSacred #BonSecours #UrbanFarm #WestBaltimore #SacredPlaceSpotlight

In July, we walked Stillmeadow PeacePark with Comptroller of Maryland Brooke Lierman Brooke Lierman, Pastor Michael Martin & our team—10 acres of trails, pollinator gardens & healing in SW Baltimore 🌱 One of 50+ Sacred Places in the city—each rooted in nature, care & community. #NatureSacred

This month’s #WellnessWednesday comes from the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore.🌿 Gordon Creamer of Well for the Journey guides a brief visio divina—an ancient practice of “divine seeing.” A few minutes. A deep breath. Your midweek pause. #NatureSacred #Mindfulness

This National Honey Bee Day, take a closer look—at the bees, and the people helping them thrive. 🐝 At Bon Secours Urban Farm in West Baltimore, a Sacred Place supports pollinators and the neighbors who care for them. Quiet stewardship, making a real impact. #NationalHoneyBeeDay

A family awaiting their hospital appointment discovered Wangari Gardens. Instead of a sterile waiting room, they found themselves surrounded by nature, watching ladybugs in the sun.🐞 Sometimes gardens appear exactly when we need them. Has this happened to you? #WangariGardens

Not an outdoors person? Your brain doesn't care. Dr. Marc Berman's research shows you get the mental boost from nature whether you're loving it or just enduring it. Memory and focus improve either way. Feeling stuck? Step outside - your mind will thank you later.