Savoring Spring

As the first small flowers arise within the brown and gray winter landscape, and the first sweet, clear songs of the Northern Cardinal break the winter stillness, we are reminded that nature will soon explode with a symphony of colors, sounds, smells, and tastes. Though the life force of spring is lively and bustling, it also invites us, over and over, to slow down and savor its many gifts before they have faded away into the different gifts of summer.

On the day of our group, nature will be on the edge of fully stepping into spring. Some of the earliest migrating songbirds and butterflies will just have arrived to central Texas in time to enjoy the first drops of nectar or newly emerged insects of the season. With them, they bring colors and sounds which amaze and enthrall us. And, if we practice paying attention, intentionally, to all that is happening in the present moment, we can become delightfully immersed in their beauty and wonder.

During this group, we will go on a silent sensory awareness hike and practice deepening our awareness of everything around us. We will enjoy practicing qigong together in a tucked-away spot within a pecan bottomland along the river, and there will be time for a sit spot or wandering meditation, followed by a short discussion, before hiking back. This experience will be a great opportunity to practice slowing down, opening up to the life that is around you, and savor all of the wonderful gifts of spring.

Join us in exploring the early spring gifts nature has to offer as we practice mindfulness and mindful engagement of the natural world.

As with every group, a few things of note to increase your enjoyment of this group:

• New for 2019: Each group will have a short Qigong or Mindful Movement practice to reflect the season as well as our topic for that particular group.

• Please be aware this is a mindfulness and nature connection group. Our focus is on cultivating mindful awareness in the natural world, often through slow walking or sitting, brief sharing and teaching, and long moments of silence. We usually walk less than a mile. While we hope you will enjoy connecting with each other, especially before and after the group, we are not primarily a hiking or social group.

• Please make sure to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before 10:00 am. At times, parking can be a challenge, so please give yourself time. We will be aiming to start right on time, at 10:00 am, and no later than 10:05 am.

• There are two port-a-potties in the park, next to the big barn at the curve in the road.

• There is no drinking water at our meeting spot. Please bring plenty of water with you.

• Please bring sturdy walking/hiking shoes; tennis shoes are fine, but hiking boots may be more comfortable.

• Other items you may wish to bring: lightweight blanket, towel, or yoga mat (I usually have extras available); backpack; sunscreen; hat; hiking stick; insect repellent; extra pair of shoes for driving home (some areas can be muddy, depending on recent rains)