The nonprofit Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson is introducing its Stroll for Well-Being program, three months of therapeutic garden walks, quiet self-reflection and journaling, this month. The first program will begin October 19, followed by starting sessions every two weeks, as demand increases.

The Stroll for Well-Being program is aimed at persons experiencing emotional upset stemming from a wide range of severe and chronic disorders or from setbacks such as grief, bereavement and sadness following a major life change. Participants in the program will visit the gardens for quiet contemplation at six prearranged stops as often as they wish over a three-month period. They will be required to visit the gardens at least six—preferably eight or more—times to do the walks outlined in the journal.

In the last three years, more than 600 people have participated in the evidence-based program, which was pioneered at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, Florida. They report that the experience reduces their feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fear and loneliness, and gives greater feelings of happiness and joy.

For more information, call 520-272-3200, email [email protected] or visit Morikami.org/for-adults/stroll-for-well-being.