Wildfulness - mindfulness adventures in the wilderness for your well-being! Join me in welcoming Nature's wonders and wisdom in autumn! Join me for an invigorating autumn hike to Broderson Peak in Los Osos, CA. But this is not "just a hike" - this is also a mini-retreat of sorts, wildfulness style! I would be honored to guide you through some mindfulness practices to explore both your inner & outer terrain amongst the eucalyptus grove atop Broderson Peak, as well as in the open areas for inner contemplation, deep rest & nature connection to help you get in sync with the rhythm of autumn. Let nature nourish you as you explore and bask in the gorgeous 360 degree views of the ocean, the Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve and Morro Rock, a string of volcanic plugs spanning across San Luis Obispo County, and the vast canyons and mountains of Montana de Oro State Park.
Nature has so many reminders and lessons for us if we pause long enough to look and listen. Each year autumn cycles around to show us how to let go of the old and make way for the new. We'll be exploring this together in a variety of ways! As we contemplate what we will be letting go of, we will also discover what direction we are headed through the "Four Directions" practice, and connecting to the resources to support us. We will focus on these recurring themes:
1. Balance - Balance means when elements are in equal proportions, right? The fall equinox takes place on Sept 22. It's when the length of day and night is equal as the sun crosses the equator. Equanimity refers to mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. So our time together will be about seeking or regaining a sense of balance for well-being ~ aligning with the equinox and settling into equanimity. Some ways to notice "balance":
- we climb up to the peak, we come back down;
- we explore our inner terrain (within our own minds and bodies), and we explore nature's terrain around us;
- we move, we rest;
- we do things in community with guidance, we do things in solitude with suggestions;
- we go in silence, we share conversation and inspiration with one another;
- we listen, we speak;
- we hold on, we let go of that which no longer serves us;
- we let nature support us, we consider ways to take care of and support nature;
- and so on.
2. Connection ~ Connecting to our inner selves; connecting to one another through our shared experiences; and connecting to nature. To experience connection, we will shift from thinking to sensing, and shift from sensing to feeling. Repeat. Being in nature is not the same as connecting to nature. Through meaningful, purposeful, sensory exploration and activities you will engage the mind, the body, and heart to discover deeper connections to your own inner nature, to one another, and find more meaning and enjoyment in daily life through the "Pathways to Nature Connectedness for Well-being." By deepening your connection with nature, you are enhancing your personal well-being and psychological resilience, like tiny seeds planted in the soil awaiting the right conditions to emerge. Research studies show that connecting to nature results in an improvement in sleep, boosts the immune system, improves cardiovascular health and reduces stress, anxiety, depression and anger.
3. Slowing down ~ get in sync with the rhythm and pace of nature. When we help to slow ourselves down, we allow our minds and bodies to recalibrate, reset, and re-energize. Ralph Waldo Emerson tells us “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” So plan to slow yourself wayyyy down in the company of others, while diving deeply into yourself. Experience for yourself how mindfulness, when practiced, can be the foundation for greater strength, resilience, health, and happiness.
Come curious... get connected... leave renourished!
ADVANCE
REGISTRATION
REQUIRED
Earlybird rate
$25 thru Oct 7 ($30 after)
Additional discounts: teachers and Explorers members
Intermediate Level Hike ~
There are many trails leading up to Broderson Peak.The one we will use begins at a dead-end street in Cabrillo Estates. (I'll send specific directions to registrants closer to the time). The trail is a mixture of flat and steady climbing to the peak. The trail is sometimes hard-packed and sometimes soft sand, and sometimes rocky, but a rather well-maintained distinct trail. The views are the icing on the cake! It's about 30 minutes of walking one direction with the return being much easier going downhill. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must, as well as endurance to hike at an intermediate level. The view from the top is so worth it!
Note: The return time is approximate. Please allow for additional time if needed.
Who should attend?
These meet-ups are generally for anyone over the age of 18 seeking well being, however mature teens are welcome to share the experience with a parent/guardian. No experience with mindfulness or meditation is necessary. "Beginners" are welcome and encouraged! Simply attend with your curiosity and an open-heart. Leave with rekindled intentions and inspiration to positively support you when responding to life as it is — the good stuff, the tough stuff, all of it — with grace and skill.
COVID- PANDEMIC PRECAUTIONS:
If you are vaccinated, masks are optional while practicing social distancing.
If you are unvaccinated, please wait to join our events after the pandemic has eased.
REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/9/2021
PLAN TO BRING plenty of water, a nourishing snack, and something to sit on such as a stadium cushion or thick towel. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress in layers for the changing coastal weather. Additional details of what to bring and where to meet will be shared with registrants closer to our event.
Warning - This is a nature hike so there are no toilets!
