Community Moments
Filoli Pride Weekend Sound Healing
June 3rd and 4th, 2023
Over the weekend of June 3rd and 4th, Banyan Tree Women's Collective offered three invigorating sound bath sessions led by Melissa. During this weekend the Garden was transformed into a vibrant display of rainbow colors, with Ribbons of Remembrance fluttering between London Plane trees, Pride flags draping from the House balconies, and floral arrangements adorning the historic interior. Attendees enjoyed live performances throughout the weekend, featuring Drag Queen Storytime, Queer Taiko, the Gay Freedom Band, and lively Mexican folk dancing by Folclorico Colibri. Additionally, visitors had the opportunity to meet with representatives from local LGBTQ+ organizations at their tables in the Garden. All programming was included with Filoli admission, creating a festive and inclusive Pride celebration.
Star Vista “Mental Health Matters” Wellness Fair
May 21st, 2023
We partnered Star Vista for their Mental Health Fair. Mental Health Matters is a large community event that brings together all walks of life for a day filled with fun, learning, and wellness. Activities are aimed at supporting mental wellness while also providing education around mental health services in San Mateo County. This event is also a space for individuals to strengthen connections with each other and meet fellow mental health advocates in the community. Banyan Tree handed out information on our classes, held free yoga, a mocktails lesson and a beautiful sound healing session.
Banyan Tree Women’s Collective Team Dinner
Reiki Level III: Master Level Series
October 10, 2022
Level III is the Reiki Master Level course and is traditionally considered the teacher's level. In this course, students learned the Master Reiki symbol, receive the Master Reiki attunement, and learn how to give Reiki Level I, Level II, and Level III attunements to their own students.
Morning Manifestation: Yoga, Meditation and Sound
August 27th 2022
CEO and co-founder, Melissa and Banyan instructor Joanne led a morning session where they focused on grounding through yoga, mediation and singing bowls.
Herbal First Aid Kits
July 16th, 2022
Through an interactive lecture & hands-on activities, this class explored the multitude of ways that simple herbal remedies can be used in first aid, from treating an upset stomach to irritated skin and bug bites.
Summer Solstice Garden Day
June 18, 2022
Banyan Women and Fresh Approach collaborated for a day in the garden creating a community meal, yoga, meditation, harvesting veggies and building planter boxes for the Belle Haven Elementary school garden.
Filoli Pride Weekend Sound Healing
June 5th 2022
To celebrate Pride month and the LBGTQ+ community Banyan offered two sound bath sessions led by Melissa to open and close the days’ celebration of events.
Navigate Stress with Food, Movement & Mindfulness
June 4th 2022
In this class students learned about chronic stress and its short and long-term effects on the mind and body and explore practical ways to actively manage stress with food, movement and mindfulness.
Taste of Brazil: Samba Workshop
March 27th, 2022
This Samba workshop was for dancers of all levels. Carmen went over the basic steps of Samba and guided students on how to improve stamina, posture, and footwork.
Belly Dance Intensive
August 21st and 22nd, 2021
During this two day dance intensive, we invited all levels to learn juicy hip work and tantalizing shimmies through the art of Belly Dance! Students learned fundamentals of the dance form and put everything together into a choreography. This workshop was designed for dancers to feel good and have fun.
Celebration of Land and Sky: Honoring Mama Tierra
April 24th, 2021
This event took place at a beautiful farm located on the coast in Half Moon Bay, CA. It consisted of playing in the dirt, harvesting food for our meal and meeting new friends. We planted herbs and vegetables on the farm then moved to the outdoor kitchen to harvest vegetables to create Earth Bowls and make fresh herb and fruit infused lemonade.
The Stories of our Kitchens: Persian Cook Along
March 19th, 2021
The Stories of our Kitchens was an intimate cook along class sharing stories of culture, music, childbirth, marriage, divorce and journeys of self love. Mel and Laleh taught us about Nowruz, the Persian New Year, as they made Ghormeh Sabzi (Persian Stew) and Tahdig ( Crispy Rice)
Holiday Deliciousness: Classics with a Healing Twist for Your Holiday Table
December 5th, 2020
In this workshop we cooked together making a few of Brooke Wilson’s favorite recipes, but with a little nutritional twist. We talked about what ingredients to add, healthy substitutions, and how to make it all taste amazing. Students all received a special-edition holiday recipe ebook to help inspire their upcoming holiday season.
San Mateo Pride Event
June 2020
This was Banyan Tree Women’s Collective’s debut event in the community and first virtual class due to the pandemic. Melissa and Esteban taught fun dance fitness choreography which was broadcasted for the community to dance along from home.
