Attending local meditations, sound baths, nature walks and panels can help support your mental health
Written by Sam Barney-Gibbs, Edited by Maya Srikrishnan
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to share stories of struggle, reduce stigma and build community connections around mental health.
Here are a few cost-free ways to mindfully engage with Mental Health Awareness Month in San Diego and get motivated to start or strengthen your own mental health care practices.
May 16
BWA & Survivors Rejoice: Healing Nature Walk: Black Women Adventures and Survivors Rejoice are co-hosting a community nature walk focused on relaxation, reflection and connection. Reserve free tickets online. 9 a.m. – Noon, Lake Murray Trail Head, 5540 Kiowa Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942
May 17
Breathwork Workshop with Dr. Rockie: MOTIVITY is hosting a donation-based breathwork session led by Dr. Rockie, a certified breathwork practitioner and doctor of physical therapy. Attendees are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, blanket and an eye covering. Reserve free tickets online, as spots are limited. 10 – 11 a.m., 8775 Aero Drive, Suite 136, San Diego, CA 92123
Ecstatic Dance for Soul-Led Creatives: Liberation in Motion is hosting a free online creative experience led by Gary Gottselig combining ecstatic dance and open-ended creative expression such as writing, painting or drawing. No dance or creative experience required. A 48-hour replay will be available after the event. Reserve free tickets online. 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., online via Zoom
Free Sound Bath and Reiki Devotional: Naghmeh Taefi is hosting a free crystal bowl sound bath combined with reiki energy healing and a devotional featuring readings from Bahá’í writings on love, unity and healing. Attendees of all faith traditions are welcome. Bring a yoga mat, pillow or blanket. Chairs will also be available. Reserve free tickets online. 1:30 – 3 p.m., San Diego Bahá’í Faith-Center, 6545 Alcala Knolls Drive, San Diego, CA 92111
May 18
Spiritually Healing Emotional Challenges: Tools to Feel More in Control: Infijoy is hosting a free online webinar with clinical psychologist Dr. Mitchell Saskin on using spiritually-informed tools to navigate difficult emotions, release emotional blocks and build resilience. The session includes a guided meditation. Reserve free tickets online. 7 – 8 a.m., online
Community Conversation & Connection Groups: Copley-Price Family YMCA is hosting a conversation and connection group for parents and caregivers of young children to share experiences and build community around the topic of self-care. Free dinner and childcare will be provided. RSVP online. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Copley-Price Family YMCA, 4300 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92105
May 19
The Burnout to Balance Transformation Workshop: The Desert Consulting hosts a free weekly online workshop led by health and life coach Ixchel, blending breathwork, mindfulness, emotional regulation, nutrition, movement and self-reflection to help participants work through burnout. A video call link will be emailed after registration. Reserve tickets online. Noon – 1 p.m., online via Google Meet
Behavioral Health Housing Services Panel: Experts will gather for a panel discussion on housing options for people with behavioral health needs to share insights, challenges and innovative solutions. Reserve free tickets online. 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., Lemon Grove Library, 3001 School Lane, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
May 21
Family Voice: NAMI San Diego is hosting a free online presentation by Cover My Mental Health founder Joe Feldman on navigating insurance obstacles for mental health care, including denied claims and finding suitable in-network clinicians. The session includes an open Q&A. Online registration is required, as spots are limited. 1 p.m., online via Zoom
May 23
Mental Health Action Day: My Good Brain is hosting a family-friendly outdoor wellness event, featuring four hands-on art stations for children and families and a mental health resource hub with take-home art kits and connections to youth wellness programming. The drop-in event is free and open to the public. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Arts District Liberty Station, 2875 Dewey Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Free Stress Management Group: Find Your Power Wellness is hosting a free monthly stress management group featuring guided relaxation, mindfulness practices, breathwork, gentle movement and stress management education. Attendees are encouraged to bring water, a journal and a yoga mat or comfortable seating. Open to ages 18 and older. Reserve free tickets online, as spots are limited. 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., 6345 East Lake Drive, San Diego, CA 92119
May 24
Sunday Sound Bath — Reset + Restore: Soul Flow Wellness Co’s Kelsey LaPointe is hosting a donation-based outdoor sound bath infused with Reiki to help participants release stress and find inner calm. Suggested donation is $10-$20; cash, Venmo and Zelle accepted. Attendees should wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat and blanket or pillow. Reserve free tickets online. 9 – 10 a.m., Montclair Park, 2900 Vancouver Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
May 26
The Burnout to Balance Transformation Workshop: The Desert Consulting hosts a free weekly online workshop led by health and life coach Ixchel, blending breathwork, mindfulness, emotional regulation, nutrition, movement and self-reflection to help participants work through burnout. A video call link will be emailed after registration. Reserve free tickets online. Noon – 1 p.m., online via Google Meet
The Body Remembers the Bond — How ACEs Shape Attachment, Connection & Health: San Diego START is hosting a free hybrid training on how adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, shape attachment, emotional regulation, relationships and long-term health, with a focus on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Presenters include clinical director Wajdi Akef Fakhoury, medical director Ingrid Dombrower and START coordinator Stephanie Wahl. Virtual attendees will receive a Zoom link by email after registering. Reserve free tickets online. 3 – 4:30 p.m., 3870 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92123, or online via Zoom
May 30
Walk & Talk – Mental Health Awareness Month: WellthyWell is hosting a monthly community walk where donations collected will benefit Mental Health America of San Diego County. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at 8:30 a.m. to order a drink before the walk departs at 9 a.m. Free street parking is available on surrounding streets. Register online. 8:30 – 10:30 a.m., GOODONYA Organic Eatery, 1202 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
More Good Days — Youth Mental Health Panel: Copley-Price Family YMCA is hosting an open panel discussion for teens about mental health, therapy and mental health careers. Doors open at 10 a.m., panel begins at 10:30 a.m. Light breakfast and snacks provided. 10 a.m. – noon, Copley-Price Family YMCA, 4300 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92105
Summer Reset: A Women’s Wellness Collective: Nurse practitioner Erin Li and mindset coach Genny Quarfoot are co-hosting a women’s wellness gathering featuring a longevity and wellness assessment experience, interactive mindset exercises and refreshments. Open to ages 18 and older. Free parking available. Reserve tickets online. 10 a.m. – noon, Duet, 616 Stevens Ave., Suite C, Solana Beach, CA 92075
May 31
Reiki & Guided Chakra Meditation: Jessie Moody is hosting a guided reiki meditation and ceremony coinciding with the Blue Moon in Sagittarius. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about reiki and chakra balancing and will receive a small gift bag. Donations for the facilitator are appreciated. 2 – 3:30 p.m., Liberty Station, 2650 Truxton Road, San Diego, CA 92106
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