hear the world’s sounds
practice being natural
both inside and out
When: Last Sunday of May – October, 11 a.m. to noon.
Practice Leader: Courtney Rousseau (she/her)
Where: The meeting point is at the Virginia Fairbanks Art and Nature Park (100 Acres) lower parking lot entrance. Link to Google Map.
Taking the bus? Please take #34 to 42nd and Michigan. Plan on a 20 minute walk from the bus stop to the meeting point. Walk north on Michigan across the bridge and take the ramp down to the towpath. Walk towards the 100 Acres (canal on your left) until you get to the red bridge. Turn away from the canal and into the 100 Acres and turn left when you get to the lagoon.
Biking or walking? Take the canal towpath to the red bridge at Newfields (usually has a locked gate). Turn away from the canal and into the 100 Acres and turn left when you get to the lagoon. There is a bike rack near the meeting point.
Cost: Free!
Formerly called Mindful Nature Walks under Indy Community Yoga
What happens at a Nature Walk(ing Meditation) practice?
After introductions, we practice silent walking meditation together under the big trees, by the lagoon and river, amongst our animal and plant siblings. Practice concludes with group reflection, snacks, and refreshments.
There is nothing to achieve and nothing to attain. Suitable for many ages and abilities.
The paths we take may include gravel, mulch, and grass surfaces. There may be bugs. Portable toilets are available in the lower parking lot and there are bathrooms inside the Visitors Pavilion.
We walk rain or shine. We cancel when conditions are hazardous.
What is Silent Practice?
Silent practice is an opportunity to be natural, let go of pretending, and be in the supportive presence of others practicing the same. During Nature Walk(ing Meditation) practices, we walk at a slow pace and refrain from using language (talking, reading, writing, and phone use). This affords us the opportunity to disengage the part of our mind that uses language and let words and ideas get out of the way. By doing this for each other, we make it easier to turn towards the sounds of the world, both inside us and all around, and really, really hear. We also refrain from making eye contact, which is a way we relieve each other from being viewed. For more on this, please refer to How To Practice Meditation in 5 Easy Steps.
Free Qigong And Seated Meditation Before The Walk
You’re invited to attend Sunday Practice, which begins at 9:30 a.m. in the 100 Acres across from Funky Bones. On walk days, we practice qigong and sit one 25 minute period. Click here for more information.
