Join us as we open Mental Health Awareness Month and launch our 3rd Annual 31 Days of Wellness Project 2026 — a month of creative healing, compassionate connection, and community-centered experiences supporting mental well-being across Haywood County and beyond.
On Saturday, May 2, we will join communities around the world in celebrating World Labyrinth Day with a beautiful gathering at the Lake Junaluska Labyrinth. This special event will serve as the kickoff for Mental Health Awareness Month and the beginning of our 3rd Annual 31 Days of Wellness Project. Together we will slow down, breathe deeply, and walk the winding path of the labyrinth in quiet reflection—an invitation to reconnect with ourselves, with one another, and with the healing power of community.
This special afternoon will include a meditative labyrinth walk, a community chalk mural, and a beautiful sound journey. The gathering is open to all ages and offered free of charge. This is a family-friendly community gathering, perfect for all ages, families and children.
Beginning at 3:00 PM ET, we will offer a warm welcome followed by a sound journey with Michelle Koster and Omsemble to help us settle into a calm and reflective space.
Participants will then walk the labyrinth at their own pace, one step at a time, allowing the quiet rhythm of the path to invite reflection, peace, and inner stillness. Gentle incense will add to the contemplative atmosphere.
After walking, participants are invited to join in creating a community chalk mural along the surrounding stone walkway, an expression of hope, compassion, and well-being.
Both walking meditation and creative expression are simple yet powerful practices known to reduce stress, ease anxiety, and support emotional balance, connection, and healing.
What to bring:
A blanket or chair if you would like to sit, water, and weather-friendly items such as an umbrella or rain jacket. We will gather rain or shine.
31 Days of Wellness Project 2026:
Join our 31 Days of Wellness Project 2026 by participating in our events at the Healing Hive in Waynesville, on Zoom, and by connecting through our private Facebook community at www.facebook.com/groups/31dayofwellness. Throughout the month, participants are invited to engage in simple daily practices that support self-care, mental well-being, healing, and connection.
Each day, we encourage participants to take a small step toward wellness and to share a photo or brief reflection from their experience in the private Facebook group, creating a supportive space of encouragement and inspiration.