Manchac Park Mindful Walk

We will spend two hours connecting with ourselves and our surroundings at Manchac Park.

During this gentle session we will be exploring a series of exercises designed to quiet the mind, deepen connection to the world around us and tap into the wisdom of nature. These will entail some meditative exercises, mindful walking and journaling.

Bring something to sit on (blanket or sitting mat), pen and paper for journaling, water and anything else you need to keep comfortable outdoors (comfortable clothes & shoes, a snack). We will be walking for about a mile, stopping to experience the landscape.

Apart from my guidance, most of the session will take place in silence. It’s an individual practice, enhanced by sharing space and intention with others. There will be the chance to share experiences and discuss after each exercise.

LGBTQIA2S+, BIPOC, neurodivergence, disability, age, and diversity in all of its forms welcomed and encouraged.

Booking
Numbers are limited, so please only RSVP if you are coming. If you are able to, please let me know in advance if you are not coming so I can give someone else the opportunity to join us. I am offering these sessions in the spirit of gift economy, to increase the health and wellbeing of my Baton Rouge community.

Donations/Giveback: We acknowledge the indigenous history of Baton Rouge, and more broadly, Louisiana as part of our responsibility to acknowledge, honor, and affirm indigenous culture, history and experiences. We recognize the communities native to this region including the Caddo Adai Indians of Louisiana, Biloxi Chitimacha Confederation, Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, Choctaw Nation, Coushatta Tribe, Four Winds Cherokee Tribe, Muscogee (Creek), Point au Chien Tribe, Tunica Biloxi Tribe, United Houma Nation, and others whose memories may have been erased by violence, displacement, migration, and settlement.

Please consider donating to hurricane Ida recovery efforts in Isle de Jean Charles: https://www.isledejeancharles.com/ or my preferred cause, Cherri Foytlin’s L’eau Est La Vie: https://givebutter.com/smGBqz
Other organizations to consider donating to: https://www.bvlbanchacollective.com/other-support

Location
We will meet at the pavilion by the BREC Parking (the last one by the trailhead, after the baseball fields). Please plan to be there on time, as we will venture out onto the trails and you might not be able to find us easily. The early start is to beat the crowds at this popular park, and have privacy to carry out our activities.

Weather/ cancellations
If the weather is unsafe (heavy rain, storms) and the session is cancelled, you will be notified the evening before via Meetup app message so please keep an eye for updates. If the session is cancelled, you will receive a full refund if you have made a donation. If you can’t make the session, please message me to let me know – I require 24 hours notice for a full refund.

Safety & Responsibility
As with any environment outdoors, there may be uneven ground and natural hazards such as tree roots and low-hanging branches. When you book for this event, you agree to take responsibility for your own safety and wellbeing during the session. All activities are voluntary and you are invited to take part as much or as little as you wish. If you have a physical or mental health medical condition that might affect your, or other people’s safety or enjoyment, you should take appropriate medical advice- for any concerns please private message me.

About me
I am an Outdoor Environmental Educator and recent transplant to the US. I have worked in nature conservation and education in the Republic of Cyprus, Indonesian Borneo and the United Kingdom and I am currently training to become a Nature-Connected Coach. I would like to contribute to and support the well-being of Baton Rougeans by utilizing public parks and green spaces around the city. I believe together we can learn and grow.