Welcome to the
Mindfulness
Garden
A SPACE TO RELAX. RESET. RECONNECT
Created by Lily Nowaski
What is the garden and why?
Lily's Gold Award project is a mindfulness garden created in the back corner of Panamoka park as a peaceful and welcoming space for everyone. The garden includes comfortable seating, a water fountain, wind chimes, and positive quote rocks to encourage visitors to pause, reflect, and take a moment for themselves.
Beyond providing a place to relax and decompress, the garden is designed to raise awareness about mental health and remind community members that they are not alone. A sign in the garden shares the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for anyone who may be struggling and in need of support. Lily's hope is that this space will provide a sense of peace, encouragement, and connection while promoting the importance of caring for our mental well-being.
What is a gold award?
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement a Girl Scout can earn. It recognizes girls who identify a meaningful community issue, develop and lead a sustainable project to address it, and inspire others to make a lasting difference. Earning the Gold Award demonstrates exceptional leadership, courage, creativity, and commitment to positive change.
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Mental Health Awareness
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Everyone has difficult days, and it’s okay to ask for help. Whether you need a moment to reset or someone to talk to, there are resources available.
Calming Techniques
When you feel overwhelmed, try one of these simple techniques:
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Deep breathing: Slowly breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and breathe out for 4 seconds. Repeat several times.
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5-4-3-2-1 grounding: Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
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Take a mindful walk: Pay attention to your surroundings, your breathing, and how your body feels as you move.
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Listen to calming sounds: Try music, nature sounds, wind chimes, or simply sit quietly and listen to what is around you.
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Write it down: Journaling your thoughts and feelings can help you process what you're experiencing.
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Take a break: Give yourself permission to step away, slow down, and do something that helps you feel calm.
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Connect with someone: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, teacher, counselor, or another person you feel comfortable with.
If you need more support
You don't have to wait until you're in a crisis to reach out. Talking with a trusted person or mental health professional can be an important step toward feeling better.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for free, confidential support from a trained crisis counselor, available 24/7. You can also use the online chat through the 988 Lifeline. You do not have to be suicidal to reach out—988 is available for anyone experiencing emotional distress or needing support.
Click here for a direct link to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifelie
Remember
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone, your feelings matter, and there is always someone who can listen.
Thank you to all of the following who helped make this project possible:
Hololob Industries Inc.
Yaphank
Marders Landscape Store
Bridgehampton
Lowe’s
Riverhead
Contractors Market Inc.
Ridge
Ace Hardware
Wading River
May’s Farm
Wading River
Gray’s Hardware
Ridge
Talmage Farm Agway
Riverhead
Also the following individuals:
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Carrie Schor
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Dennis Karpowitz
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Edward Nowaski
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Emma Benkert
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Jayne Nowaski
- John Fogus
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Nicholas Auer
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Vinny Duran