Wild Walks Into The Heart

‘If we keep our eyes open and our hearts clear, we can realise that life gives us adequate opportunities to experience both love and hope.’ (John Moriarty)

‘Nature, calling us out of our biographies into the fluvial marvel of now.’ (John Moriarty)

'The freedom in walking lies in not being anyone; for the walking body has no history, it is just an eddy in the stream of immemorial life.' (Frédéric Gros)

These walks will encourage speaking from the heart, with periods of silence alongside gentle sharing, storytelling, encounters with nature, free-roaming, and solitary exploration. Contemplation, grounding and reflection practices will also be included, and depending on the number of participants, I may incorporate individual, pair, and group activities.

Example format of a walk (please note this format can change slightly from walk to walk depending on different factors - see note 1):

• Welcome, Introductions, Icebreaker Activity, and Group Guidelines
• Walk for 15 minutes as a group (Silence Optional)
• Gather, check in, and share for 10-15 minutes
• Walk for another 10-15 minutes as a group with someone leading (Silence Optional)
• Gather, check in, and share for 10-15 minutes
• Stillness activity and/or free exploration/wandering for 20 minutes approx (Silence Optional)
• Final gather, check-in, and share for 10-15 minutes
• Invitation to share feedback, thank you, and farewell/goodbyes
• (Please note all times given to activities are approximate and can vary during the actual event)

I will aim to provide a supportive and safe space during the walk where people can freely open up about their lives and experiences as much or as little as they choose to. Anything you share is confidential and shall not be disclosed outside the space.

• TIME: Sunrise starts around 5.20am, approximately, so we will meet at 4.55am and start walking around 5.00/5.05am. Please be on time to respect other members in the group. We will need to start walking at 5.05am at the latest.
• MEETING POINT: We will meet at the picnic benches on the Furze Road.
• IMPORTANT: Please read notes 1-15 below to prepare yourself for the walk.

Note 1 - Walk Format

Please note that the format can slightly change from walk to walk, as I like to check in with participants and the group regularly during the event to try and understand what they need as the walk unfolds and try to be flexible given the needs that can arise or just how the group is feeling as a whole. Other factors, such as weather, location, time, the introduction of new practices, and participant sharing, can also influence the structure and flow of the event.

Note 2 - Silence

I would like to explore the concept and experience of being in/with silence during the walks, so I will suggest that people do some parts of the walk in silence if they wish and feel comfortable. When we reach destinations or resting points on the walk, there will be a break in the silence to allow for engagement and sharing if people feel like it. I may suggest different prompts or topics at times if needed to encourage conversation, but primarily, I prefer to use the group's collective wisdom and shared insights to guide the dialogue. If people prefer or need to talk at times, that is fine, but please be aware of and respect the silence in the space by being mindful of your proximity to others and speaking in softer tones if necessary.

Note 3 - Walking Pace

People will be encouraged to walk at their own pace, which they are comfortable with, and at the pace they feel in the moment. For some parts of the walk, I want people to explore their being, and that will bring them to different places than others. For example, someone may want to sit on a bench and breathe, someone else may want to stretch using the kerb, and another person may be drawn to walk towards or around a tree. We will regroup at different intervals before coming back together. If people prefer to talk to someone and walk in pairs or groups, that is fine.

Note 4 - Focuses/Topics

Listening, Silence, Heart, Wildness, Breath, Being, Pain/Suffering, Grief/Loss, Gentleness, Immersion, Gratefulness, Presence, Patience, Stillness, Honest Vulnerability, Kindness, Respect, Curiosity, Non-judgment, Peace, Innocence, Play, Letting Go, Ease, Rest, Movement, Senses, Feeling, Depth, Simplicity, Choices, Story, Calm, Safety, Interconnectedness, Contemplation, Grace.

Note 5 - Weather/Clothing

Please check the forecast and dress appropriately. I will still walk if there is rain/bad weather unless it is very, very bad.

Note 6 - Footwear

There is a chance we could walk through long, wet grass and/or leaves, so hiking footwear or something that can get a bit wet or dirty while you stay comfortable would be advised.

Note 7 - Phones

Please put your phone on silent mode for the duration of the walk so we can create a space with fewer distractions. If you need to take a call, please put some distance between yourself and the group before doing so to respect the quiet space we create together.

Note 8 - Thoughts On Discomfort

Speaking for myself, it will involve some discomfort to get out of bed early for a walk, as it is not something I do often. I hope to try and accept and work through this feeling of discomfort during the experience and perhaps open up to something beyond it. People may approach or experience this differently, and I hope to hear and open up to their ways of experience, too.

Note 9 - Donations

Donations are welcome and go towards supporting the group. I suggest a donation of €3 if you wish to donate. Donations can be made using Revolut, PayPal, or cash. If using cash, please have exact change as I don't normally have change on me.

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PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT ON EVENTBRITE
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Hello all,