Walking with Nature: Evolving Extraordinary Experiences with Trees and Forests
When connecting with nature, there’s something magical about walking in//with the forest.
Moving In:
It’s a physical journey; as it is an immersive experience that engages your senses and invites you to weave a sense of belonging-being with nature.
As you walk into the forest, allow yourself to connect with nature, with trees…
While walking — wondering — wandering, consider one or more of these seven activities…
Reminder: Will you bring a journal — notepad and pencils — a pad to sit on — some water and snacks?
Click to watch/listen to the Introduction:
1: Connect with the Forest: A Dance of Presence
Wear clothes that invite your involvement, knowing you might get a little dirty along the way. Embrace the tactile experience of leaves beneath your fingers, the touch of bark against your palms, and the earthy scent that envelops you.
Engage in a dance of presence (yes, dance — move and groove), forging a connection beyond the visual.
Click to watch/listen to #1:
https://youtube.com/shorts/JAhjnwpDRvI
2: Appreciate the Forest as a Whole: Embracing the Grandeur
Shift your gaze from individual trees to the forest–as a whole.
Witness the grandeur of the collective, where each tree contributes to the ecosystem. Appreciate the play of light and shadow, the textures of diverse foliage, and the mosaic of colors that paint the forest canvas.
Unveil the interconnected beauty that thrives together and beyond.
Click to watch/listen to #2:
https://youtube.com/shorts/JSJd4JNUQ2k
3: See Between the Trees: Uncovering Hidden Stories
Peer through the spaces among the trees.
Discover the wild kin — creatures traversing the understory.
Notice the elusive horizon line beyond — how far, what does this liminal space look like?
Click to watch/listen to #3:
https://youtube.com/shorts/GFXPAVuKqkw
4: Attend to the Wind Whispering in the Crown: Nature’s Melodies
Listen to the subtle whispers of the wind as it rustles through the canopy.
Connect the sounds with the tales of the season.
Consider the timeless rhythm of the trees, the forest, nature while walking.
Close your eyes, attune your ears, and let the sounds serenade you into a deeper connection with the living landscape.
Click to watch/listen to #4:
https://youtube.com/shorts/3QYannr1Y8c
5: Venture into The Forest at Night: A Mysterious Canvas
Walk, illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight.
Wander/wonder into the woods with a flashlight — what do you see in the main beam of light, in the secondary beam?
Ensure safety, respect the nocturnal life that calls the forest home.
Explore the shadows, listen to the night sounds (close and far).
Witness the gray palette beauty that unfolds under the night sky, the landscape.
Click to watch/listen to #5:
https://youtube.com/shorts/VuRSSHnjxQM
6: Visit, Partake–Do Not Disturb: An Ethical Stewardship
Adhere to the principle of “see, do not disturb.”
Respect the dynamic balance of the forest ecosystem.
Observe without intruding, allowing flora and fauna to thrive undisturbed.
Recognize the vibrant patterns of life that unfold.
Recognize your role as a temporary guest in their world.
Click to watch/listen to #6:
https://youtube.com/shorts/yBnKaNThVso
7: Recognizing Patterns, Assigning Meaning: A Mental/Emotional Exploration
Note the patterns that emerge during your nature walk.
Discern the recurring shapes, colors, or arrangements that catch your eye.
Engage in a thought/felt exploration, assign personal meanings to these patterns.
Document the messages woven into your visit — while entering, moving about, returning home.
Click to watch/listen to #7:
https://youtube.com/shorts/MT2MxBb2gls
Moving Forward:
As you embark on your journey of walking with the forest, remember it’s an invitation to converse with nature, to conserve with nature, to witness the magic of the forest and trees, all while evolving extraordinary experiences while sensing and connecting with the forest’s essence.
Click to watch/listen to #Closing:
https://youtube.com/shorts/LUgWaypiJhg
Meet Stephen Hobbs
Your Guide on the Ride!
I’m an ager — in my 70th revolution of the sun (2024).
I walk as a “Solo-Ager”.
As to Older to Elder, I’m exploring what it means for me.
I work with wholistic, reciprocal education approaches — especially mentoring.
Over the years, across many continents, I gathered evidence-based wisdom. I wanted to harness my “wellth of experiences” and transform them into powerful tools and techniques as I mentor personal growth adventures and the organization of work.
During the development and delivery of the different activities, I’ve seen the “applicability required” for evolving “living legacy life” projects and programs of different sizes. Learning to navigate the shifting landscapes of others’ (and my) projects is a way I remain relevant & current in moving the experiences of older to elder for all!
Working through https://WELLthMovement.com
FOR the World … WITH the Planet … FROM the Whole.
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