About this Event
A Mindful Outdoor Experience is a guided walk or “saunter” into a natural setting to share mindfulness practices. These practices break down the barriers that separate us from the rest of nature. In addition to mindful walking, we will do centering and breath work, learn to forest bathe, and enjoy an open meditation in a “sit spot”.
This is the first of four (4) Seasonal Mindful Walks for 2025. Each one will take place at the same location but during a different season, so that we can get to know this location in all of its seasonal changes.
Time is the same on each date - 11am-12:30pm.
Dates are
- April 6
- July 13
- October 12
- December 14
These events are FREE, but please register so we know how many people to expect and can contact you in case of a change in the schedule.
Benefits of this experience include
- stress reduction through connection with nature,
- re-awakening our senses to the world around us,
- a break from technology centered lifestyles, and
- increased sense of our place in the world.
Elements of a mindful outdoor hike include:
● Forest bathing - taking in, with all of our senses, the forest atmosphere
● Biophilia - remembering to focus on life and lifelike processes
● Species re-connection - breaking through isolation from the natural world
● Refuge - finding peace and refuge in the natural world
NOTE: A Mindful Outdoor Walk is not a continuous hike, trying to get to somewhere specific. Nor is it a strenuous hike for exercise. It is more of an easy saunter. We walk a bit, we stop, we walk more, we stop, we sit down for time (on the ground, a rock, a fallen log). The guide gives invitations for the participants to consider, which bring them into deeper presence with the natural surroundings. We do not try to identify species or name things – it is not a naturalist lead educational walk. We do steep ourselves in the beauty and appreciate the species surrounding us. We also walk without technology or taking pictures – we leave cell phones and cameras at home or in the car. This is a chance to have a tech break.
LOCATION
At the north end of McLaren Lane, going north from the Wal*Mart light on East State Street. Access road next to OUCU Financial. Drive to the end of the lane and there is parking for up to 10 cars. **NOTE that there are no restroom facilities at this location.
GPS coordinates: 39.3388, -82.0643
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Cucumbertree Trailhead Parking Lot, McLaren Lane, Athens, United States
USD 0.00