by Isa Pickett
On Saturday, October 3rd, we had our annual Joy and Wellness Festival to usher in autumn and support health and wellness in our community! It was truly a day for celebration.
The music of Jimmy Jorge and the Latin Express filled the neighborhood. Inside the park, neighbors, staff, and children salsa danced. Nearby, we pressed fresh apples into cider and painted pumpkins. There were tables for free bike repairs from Philly Bike Action, the Liberated Young affirmation station, and crayon-making with Botanography. There were community wellness resources from Lillian Marrero Library, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Taller Puertorriqueño, and DBHIDS.
Under the century-old red maple, we were led in yoga and bathed in a sound bath with ringing bowls by Soul & Balance Wellness. Derek of The Phoenix, who ran the yoga session, implored us to be present in the here and now, to allow ourselves to be surrounded in golden light. When he said this, I was staring up at a leaf on the maple that was just starting to turn red, and I thought just maybe I felt what he meant. Later, as I watched one of our library coordinators, Monique, and our lead gardener, Alena, dance with one of the kids often present at Family Fun Days, I knew exactly what he meant. I thought to myself, Wow, this is joy!
As kids ran through the field, knocking over big inflatable bowling pins with a beach ball, and as neighbors chatted while collecting produce and books, I felt it all further. I felt just how important it is to come together, to bring comfort and joy to each other, to be present.
The Joy and Wellness Festival was a time to recenter and to remember the people and places that are important to us. In addition to giving out lots of produce, books, coats, and sweet treats baked by neighbors, we also strengthened our bonds with one another. Thank you so much for spending time with us.
