In a time when quiet quitting, climate anxiety, and post-covid stress disorder has become the daily reality for many Americans, Patch of Heaven Sanctuary, a 20-acre nature preserve in the heart of South Florida, has just the thing to help reduce stress while supporting the positive effects reforestation has on absorbing the greenhouse gases fueling global warming. That thing is called the Nature Pill, a term coined by researchers at the University of Michigan School of Environment and Sustainability.

Taking the Nature Pill simply means spending 20 minutes in nature to lower stress hormones, improve immune function and reach a better state of well-being. According to the American Psychological Association, “exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.”

Suzanne Jewell, Chief Mindfulness Officer for Patch of Heaven Sanctuary, has a mission to provide the Nature Pill to all who visit South Florida. Suzanne knows firsthand how effective the Nature Pill is – she credits it for bringing her back from severe burn out after years as a global television executive.

Suzanne approached WEONEMIAMI through Leadership Miami to aid in developing the first of its kind, 7,500 square feet, 20-minute nature immersion experience at the entrance of the Sanctuary, to be known as the Mindful Pocket Park.

In addition to lending a workforce for the construction of the Park, WEONEMIAMI is also raising funds to support Patch of Heaven’s mission to preserve the forest and local wildlife while providing access to green spaces to counter Miami’s ever-growing concrete jungle.

Our goal is to raise $50,000 by December 1, 2022, which will support construction of the park, as well as creation of a Mindful Pocket Park app accessible across the country for those who can’t make the journey to South Florida.

We believe the Mindful Pocket Park is arriving at a time when much the U.S. can benefit from learning stress reduction techniques while engaging in nature. Funds raised beyond this goal will help Patch of Sanctuary continue its work long after our time together has ended.