Protect Your Peace Mental Health and Wellness Festival Coming to Vicksburg in 2025
Published 1:50 pm Tuesday, October 15, 2024
In a world where mental health awareness is more crucial than ever, the upcoming Protect Your Peace Mental Health and Wellness Festival promises to be a transformative event for the Vicksburg community. Set to take place in 2025, this festival aims to foster a holistic approach to health—mind, body, and spirit—while creating a supportive community atmosphere.
A Vision for Wellness
The festival is the brainchild of Maya Morris, a Jackson-based yoga instructor and founder of the Protect Your Peace Foundation. Known for her dynamic classes and commitment to mental health, Morris is also a Lululemon ambassador and the owner of Split Rebel Yoga in Jackson. During a recent Yogamosa class at The Rose of Clay Street, she shared her excitement about bringing the festival to Vicksburg, a city she feels a strong connection to.
Morris explained, “We focus on mental health and wellness,” emphasizing the festival’s goal to create a space where individuals can explore various aspects of well-being. The festival has previously been held in Jackson, where it has gained popularity for its inclusive and engaging activities.
A Community-Centric Approach
The decision to host the festival in Vicksburg was inspired by a friend’s suggestion and the support Morris has received from the local community. “I have a Vicksburg family there that supports me,” she said. Collaborating with Lori Fagan, the owner of The Rose of Clay Street, Morris is already in the planning stages to ensure the festival resonates with Vicksburg residents.
Fagan, who met Morris during the Vicksburg National Military Park’s summer “Yoga in the Park” program, has been instrumental in integrating Morris into the local wellness scene. “Maya has definitely been vital to Yogamosa and Wine-down Wednesdays,” Fagan noted, highlighting Morris’s role in enhancing the community’s wellness offerings.
What to Expect at the Festival
The Protect Your Peace Festival is designed to be a multifaceted experience, featuring a variety of activities that cater to different interests and wellness needs. This year’s festival in Jackson will include yoga sessions, a run/walk event, Pilates, hip hop aerobics, and a selection of vendors and food trucks. Morris aims to replicate this vibrant atmosphere in Vicksburg while introducing unique elements tailored to the local community.
One of the standout features of the Vicksburg festival will be the “Zen Den,” a dedicated space for relaxation and rejuvenation. “This is an area where you go that is all things Zen,” Morris explained. Attendees can expect massages, pedicures, and foot massages, creating a serene environment to unwind and recharge.
In addition to relaxation services, Morris is keen on incorporating local gyms and wellness facilities into the festival. She envisions offerings such as cryotherapy, IV therapy, and even cold plunge experiences, which have gained popularity in wellness circles for their recovery benefits.
Workshops and Personal Growth
Beyond physical activities, the festival will also focus on mental and emotional well-being. Morris plans to include journaling workshops, providing participants with tools to reflect on their thoughts and feelings. These workshops aim to foster personal growth and encourage attendees to explore their mental health journeys in a supportive environment.
While a specific date for the Vicksburg Protect Your Peace Festival has yet to be determined, Morris indicated that it has historically been held on the third Sunday in October. For those interested in learning more about this year’s festival in Jackson or keeping up with updates for the Vicksburg event, additional information can be found at pypfest.com.
Conclusion
The Protect Your Peace Mental Health and Wellness Festival is set to be a landmark event for Vicksburg in 2025, offering a unique blend of activities that promote holistic health and community connection. With Maya Morris at the helm, the festival promises to be a celebration of mental health awareness, personal growth, and community spirit. As Vicksburg prepares to welcome this transformative event, it stands as a testament to the power of community in fostering wellness and resilience.
For more insights and updates on local wellness initiatives, stay tuned to The Vicksburg Post, where we continue to share the stories that matter to our community.
