“People are hurting from the unforeseen circumstances of recent events. We must collectively find a way to heal, heal within, heal with others, and realize that we are all connected.” – Mona Koh, EBRPD’s Community Relations Manager and walk coordinator.
Healing is the process of making or becoming sound or healthy again. On Saturday, May 28, 2022 healing was the theme as dozens of people of many cultures gathered on the magnificent, sacred grounds of Garin Regional Park in Hayward for the monthly Multicultural Wellness Walk sponsored by East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) and Regional Parks Foundation.
The climate and energy were perfect as participants connected with old and new friends and accepted the challenge of a stunning two-and-a-half-mile nature trek leading to breathtaking views at the park’s ridge. If anyone were in search of healing that day, this event provided the perfect pathway.
“The nation is hurting, people are hurting from the unforeseen circumstances of recent events,” said Mona Koh, EBPRD’s Community Relations Manager and walk coordinator. “When terrible things happen in our country, it affects us all. We must collectively find a way to heal, heal within, heal with others, and realize that we are all connected.” The group then engaged in a full minute of silence for respect and reflection.
Next, David Wei, a Tai Chi master who conducts Zoom classes through EBRPD’s website (more classes coming soon), guided the group through the first of two mini sessions of gentle Tai Chi moves to calm minds, limber bodies and sooth spirits while connecting to the elements of water, earth, air and fire. Each of the two sessions he conducted during the walk ended with a moment of stillness. “Movement is for health, stillness is for spirit,” David reminded the enthusiastic group, in keeping with the “healing” theme.
EBRPD’s wellness walks are always led by highly skilled park staff. Sonia Gomez, supervising naturalist, encouraged the group of over thirty participants to take it at their own pace according to their fitness levels. She made frequent stops along the trail to share history and information about the native plants, such as tulle grass and cattails, along Jordon Pond. She gave warnings of what not to touch such as the 3-leaf villain poison oak, as the walk winded into a wooded area.
For many, these walks are not their first time. Willie Cooper and his wife, Linda Walls of Oakland have been to several and attend every chance they get. “We are pretty active for the most part but we get a lot out of these walks,” said Cooper. “We like the structure because we put it on the calendar and that ensures we make it. Just getting out and walking with different people gives it a sense of community and makes the walk that much better.”
His wife agrees. “I like Zoom classes and they served their purpose during the pandemic,” said Walls. “But now that the wellness walks are on again, I appreciate the balance. I’ll do both but I do enjoy meeting new people of diverse cultures and breathing the fresh air at the beautiful East Bay parks. You can’t get that at the gym.”
Yulie Padmore and Chrislyn Choo, both of Oakland, were in deep conversation during much of the hike. It was obvious they knew each other. Except they didn’t. They had just met. The two young ladies of different cultures found much common ground on a variety of subjects, particularly multicultural issues and how people of color are viewed in society.
“There is no dispute that people of multi-ethnic backgrounds face challenges not experienced by all,” said Padmore. “But through education, looking inward to learn more about oneself and being around other cultures like these walks provide, enable us to connect at a level where we begin to not feel isolated, alone, different; but rather we develop a sense of belonging which is what everyone wants.”
“Yes,” agreed Choo, who was immensely enjoying her second wellness walk. “This event has been so great because, in many ways, we have opportunities for moments of going beyond the surface. We have time to listen, to share stories of our life experiences, to find common ground. And that’s where change begins.”
By walk’s end, the two new friends were exchanging phone numbers. 
Michele Kageura, Membership Development Officer with the Regional Parks Foundation was in attendance for the first time. The foundation sponsors the Multicultural Wellness Walks through fundraising efforts. “I love the walking in nature, seeing everyone enjoy and experiencing firsthand how the funding is being put to such valuable use,” said Kageura. While Garin Park’s terrain presented a bit of a challenge for novice hikers, she said she’s inspired to do even better at the next one.
Yaqueline Martinez from the Latina Center in Richmond mingled while keeping one eye on her children, who had made friends with another child, the naturalist’s daughter. The children ran everywhere, laughing, jumping, skipping, playing games. The friendship seemed instantaneous and genuine. “Kids connect so easily, no problem,” said Martinez, who owns a Cuban food catering business. “They always have fun at these walks.”
Koh conducted more moments of silence in appreciation of beauty in nature before the group embarked on the ambitious “stairway” that led up to the Ridge, the most challenging part of the walk. The beautiful views were a great payoff. Everyone fared well, then coasted downhill past the historic apple orchards and landed back at home base where a sumptuous Korean lunch awaited.
The group buzzed with conversation while serenaded by the soothing sounds of Sadaya and friends from World Music. The music with a bohemian flair was a perfect summation of the day as the songs were about peace, love and yes, healing.