WALK GUIDELINES
I have spent thousands of hours walking trails on Whidbey Island and feel confident I can guide people comfortably to explore these beautiful spaces. Some are in Washington State Park land, some Department of Natural Resources, and some owned by nonprofit organizations such as Putney Woods (www.gosslakewoods.org). I will choose a different trail each month based on the needs of the group.
WHO CAN JOIN A WALK? Anyone of any age.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Free, though a small donation for organizing time and transportation are welcome. If you wish to give a $10 donation, you will receive a copy of my Naturography book of 20 nature-connecting exercises.
To me, there is nothing more stress-reducing than a walk in the woods, and there is a lot of research to back up why this is. You may have heard of shinrin-yoku or "forest bathing." I can direct you to wilderness leaders and resources in this field of therapy if interested. Giving ourselves the gift of connecting to these areas is solace for mind-body-spirit.
Here are the rough guidelines of my walks:
1) After gathering in a circle for introductions, the first 10 minutes of the walk will be in silence to allow you to connect to the natural world around you.
2) We will stop after 10 minutes, practice a guided listening exercise and share anything we observe from that.
3) Each person will be encouraged to move at their own pace, and we will leave no one "in the dust."
4) The total time window from parking to getting back in our vehicles I estimate at 1-1/2 hours, but actual walking time will be broken up by low key activities to return to our senses.
5) Please leave technology behind for the duration, unless a camera is your favorite way to connect to the natural world.
6) I will carry a basic first aid kit and a cell phone for emergency use.
7) I ask you to fill out a simple liability form affirming that all risk involved is your own to accept.
8) You may wish to bring water and/or a snack.
9) I will e-mail everyone a map to the trail head well in advance of the walk.
In Nature's Spirit,
Many blessings to you.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I apologize to all dog walkers in advance. Please respect my "disability" which is severe lifelong allergies to dogs and leave your dog at home.
WHO CAN JOIN A WALK? Anyone of any age.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Free, though a small donation for organizing time and transportation are welcome. If you wish to give a $10 donation, you will receive a copy of my Naturography book of 20 nature-connecting exercises.
To me, there is nothing more stress-reducing than a walk in the woods, and there is a lot of research to back up why this is. You may have heard of shinrin-yoku or "forest bathing." I can direct you to wilderness leaders and resources in this field of therapy if interested. Giving ourselves the gift of connecting to these areas is solace for mind-body-spirit.
Here are the rough guidelines of my walks:
1) After gathering in a circle for introductions, the first 10 minutes of the walk will be in silence to allow you to connect to the natural world around you.
2) We will stop after 10 minutes, practice a guided listening exercise and share anything we observe from that.
3) Each person will be encouraged to move at their own pace, and we will leave no one "in the dust."
4) The total time window from parking to getting back in our vehicles I estimate at 1-1/2 hours, but actual walking time will be broken up by low key activities to return to our senses.
5) Please leave technology behind for the duration, unless a camera is your favorite way to connect to the natural world.
6) I will carry a basic first aid kit and a cell phone for emergency use.
7) I ask you to fill out a simple liability form affirming that all risk involved is your own to accept.
8) You may wish to bring water and/or a snack.
9) I will e-mail everyone a map to the trail head well in advance of the walk.
In Nature's Spirit,
Many blessings to you.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I apologize to all dog walkers in advance. Please respect my "disability" which is severe lifelong allergies to dogs and leave your dog at home.