Clear your mind at Shinzen Friendship Garden Thursday

The Shinzen Friendship Garden will host a free health and wellness event Thursday from 3 to 6:30 p.m., aiming to provide attendees with a series of activities aimed at mental health and wellbeing.

The event will see the Shinzen Friendship Garden collaborate with the California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine class of 2024 students to provide attendees with a series of calming activities including guided yoga and meditation sessions, mindful walking and arts and crafts.

“We’re thrilled to partner with local medical school students from CHSU to host this event,” said Shinzen Friendship Garden Executive Director Casey Lamonski. “It’s so important for the community to have free resources to improve their health and wellness and our garden is the perfect setting for this as it’s very tranquil and calming.”

Medical school students will provide educational seminars for attendees based on a number of topics including diabetes and hypertension, mental health management and will provide nutritional resources for a healthy and balanced diet.

Spots for the event are still available and can be reserved for free at the Shinzen Friendship Garden website .

Dedicated in 1981, the garden operates as a nonprofit organization within Woodward Park. The garden features events throughout the year including a Fall Festival and Spring Blossom Festival among other gatherings, workshops and classes.

In 2015, the Clark Bonsai Collection added more than 100 special bonsai to enrich the garden’s experience, serving as a “living museum” for the art of bonsai.