12/17/2020
Nurture in Nature
I have an idea, and I am curious to see who locally might be interested in it.
As we start to move into winter months, and indoor gatherings are not in the best interest of our collective well-being, I want to see if we can create a safer outdoor opportunity for those who wish to come together in community with others and with nature while mindfully connecting to self. Basically, I am looking for ways to honor our collective need for physical distancing but without truly socially distancing as many of us are craving connection during these times.
I have some dear friends who have a creek house in the north end of Blacksburg, VA up near the Jefferson National Forest. There are several hiking trails of a nice variety of intensity levels with several sweet spots that are lovely for meditation. So … weather permitting I would like to propose a once a month gathering at their place that looks something like this …
Gather & Connect
Mindful movement warm-up with a mindfulness prompt shared for the hike (10 minutes)
Hike to our meditation spot (we can choose from a variety of intensities and durations depending on the needs / preferences of the group) (10 - 45 minutes)
Meditation (either guided or unguided depending on the group’s experience and preference) (20 minutes)
Hike back to our initial meeting spot (10 - 45 minutes)
Mindful movement stretch / cool-down (10 minutes)
Optional: Stick around and enjoy a cup of tea around a campfire
My hope is that this will provide those interested with an opportunity to weave mindful movement, meditation, and the healing gift of nature in a way that can offer us each some calm, clarity, and connection.
The first date we are going to try this will be Saturday, January 2nd meeting at 2 pm. If weather is not so great that day, our rain date will be a week later, Saturday, January 9th at 2 pm. If you are interested in joining us, or have questions, please contact me Jennifer Speiden via email, phone (540) 552-2596 (landline), or Facebook. We shall keep this to no more than 10 people so we will have RSVPs for each gathering. Based on who signs up, we shall structure the hike to be accessible to all interested.
Looking forward to nurturing in nature with some of you. Be well, everyone.
In metta (loving kindness),
Jennifer
