Mindful Bushwalk with John Seed and Betsy Faen

 

John Seed and Betsy Faen will once again lead a mindful bushwalk at Deep Creek (Narrabeen) on September 16th.

 

We will meet at the Deep Creek dog exercise area (drive in to final parking lot) at 10:00 am. Deep Creek is off the Wakehurst Parkway, on the left before you get to Narrabeen, if you’re driving down from Oxford Falls.

After a brief introduction to the practice, we will walk in silence. There will be a couple of stops to stand and take in our surroundings with all of our senses, and then arrive at the waterfall rocks around 11:00, do a short meditation there, and have lunch together.(end of silence)

 

After lunch John will talk about our connection to the earth and facilitate some experiential deep ecology processes.

 

We will then complete a loop, with the trail taking in views over Narrabeen Lagoon and over to the sea. We should get back by 3pm.

Some parts of the track can be very muddy, wet and slippery, so wear suitable shoes and clothes. Older children who are ok with periods of silence are welcome, but this one probably isn't the best for littlies. This walk is suitable for those of reasonable fitness. It isn’t too hard, but there are a couple of steep places.

 

Meditating in nature, and walking with all the senses attuned to the environment (instead of chatting) can be a beautiful experience.

 

Bring a lunch and water. There will be an opportunity to give optional dana (donations) to John’s work.

 

We won’t go if it’s raining. If unsure, or if you’re running a little bit late, call Betsy on 0403 871 605.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINDFUL BUSHWALK

 

Intro – Paul’s love of the bush, meditating outside.

 

The purpose is to enjoy the walking and to be in the present moment.

Walk slowly, in silence, using all your senses.

Feeling very present in the body.

 Aware of your breathing and your walking.

 

Walking not to arrive, but just to enjoy the walking.

Thich Nhat Hanh: Walk in a way that we only print peace and serenity on the earth. Become aware of the contact between your feet and the earth – as if you were kissing the earth with your feet. “Every step makes a flower bloom under our feet.”

Not caught up in our usual worries about the past or future, but like a child in nature –

joyful, alive, fully present and awake to the beauty around you.

From time to time, when we see something beautiful, we may want to stop and look at it

Adopt a receptive, non-grasping attitude. Let things come to YOU.

 

Open to the full range of sensory experience:

 

LOOKING: At forms, shapes, variety of colours (greens), patterns – dancing shadows on rocks, light on the water, ripples.

Look up – under trees, at clouds, birds. Watch the wind in the branches.

Look down – the myriad detail of insects, lichen on rocks, tiny plants, fish and frogs.

 

HEARING: Birds, insects, wind, water, dogs, people, planes, cars, rain.

Sounds near and far. Let your awareness go out as far as the furthest sounds.

 

FEELING: Textures – bark, leaves, grass, rocks, earth, water, moss:

Rough, smooth, soft, prickly, sharp, spongy, hot, cold, wet, dry…

Become aware of the sun and breeze on your skin.

Try LEANING against a tree. What does that feel like?

Feel the earth beneath you, supporting you.

Imagine you have deep roots in the earth. Feel the energy from the earth in your feet.

 

SMELLING: Flowers, trees, earth, rocks…

 

As you walk, become aware of your body moving, your feet lifting and placing on the ground.

MINDFUL EXCERCISES IN BUSH

 

 

10 DIRECTION GAZE (ZEN)

 

Wide gaze, soft focus. Peripheral vision.

Take in the big picture.

LOOK UP – at trees, clouds, birds.

BREATHE in. Notice your connection with the air.

How everything else is also breathing.

We are part of a BIGGER PICTURE.

LISTEN to the wind, running water, birds… Sounds near and far.

Let your consciousness go OUT to distant sounds, distant vistas.

How far does your hearing go?

How far does your AWARENESS go?

 

 

MICRO VIEW

 

Stay in one spot – focus on detail.

‘MAGNIFYING GLASS’: look under the water, watch the fish, insects. See the little zen gardens of moss, rocks and tiny plants.

Notice all the life that goes on in one little area.

The INTERCONNECTIONS of insects, plants, birds, fungi, dirt, water, fish, frogs…