ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. — On the darkest day of the year, hundreds gathered in St. Louis Park for the “Be the Light Winter Solstice Walk,” an event aimed at raising awareness about mental health and the importance of supporting those struggling with mental illness.
The walk, held at the Westwood Hills Nature Center on Saturday, has grown significantly since its inception. This year, it attracted around 300 participants, with over 100 people on a waitlist. What started as a small gathering of 50 people practicing mindfulness in nature has expanded to become a powerful symbol of hope and solidarity.
Amanda, a Minneapolis resident, attended the walk to honor the memory of her brother and stepbrother, both of whom she lost to mental health struggles. “I lost my brother in 2015, and then I lost my stepbrother in February,” she shared. “To lose the one person who went through life with you is difficult.” As she walked, luminaries lit the path, symbolizing those who are unable to “see the light” due to mental health challenges.
For many participants, the walk serves as a way to both grieve and raise awareness. “What hurts the most is I didn’t know how much she was hurting,” said Andrea Nyhusmoen, founder of the event, as she recalled the loss of her dear friend Megan to suicide. “After that happened, you just want to do something.” Now in its eighth year, the event continues to honor Megan’s memory while drawing attention to the ongoing need for better mental health care and support systems.
A particularly poignant moment came from Nyhusmoen, who shared the significance of the walk’s message: “For me, the most meaningful part of this ‘Be the Light’ is just finding that courage to reach out and tell someone, ‘I am not OK.’ Everyone matters. Everyone matters.”
The event’s message has also extended into local schools. Middle school students helped decorate luminaries for the walk, all while learning about mental health awareness.
Nyhusmoen emphasized the importance of checking in on loved ones, saying, “It’s a reminder to reach out, be there for each other, and make sure no one feels alone in their struggles.”
The “Be the Light” walk continues to grow in both size and significance, reflecting the community’s deepening commitment to mental health advocacy and support. As participants lit the path together on that winter solstice, they carried with them a collective message of hope, reminding all that there is light even in the darkest times.
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