Mindfulness Hike — Presence, Pacing & Reset in Nature (Knoxville)

Date: Wednesday, March 4
Start time: 9:30 AM
Distance: ~3–3.2 miles
Pace: Easy to moderate, conversational
Duration: ~90 minutes total
Location: Knoxville area (exact trailhead shared after RSVP)

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### Event Description

This Mindfulness Hike is a gentle, intentional outing designed to help you slow down, move thoughtfully, and reconnect with your surroundings through time on the trail.
We’ll hike at a relaxed, steady pace on a scenic route suitable for most beginner to intermediate hikers. This is not a workout, a race, or a performance-oriented event. The focus is on awareness, pacing, and presence—using movement and nature as the backdrop.
About halfway through the hike, we’ll pause briefly at the turnaround point for 3–5 minutes. During this pause, anyone who wishes can participate in a simple, optional moment of breath and sensory awareness—slowing the breath, noticing the environment, and resetting before we head back. This is informal, accessible, and non-instructional. If that’s not your thing, you’re welcome to stretch, hydrate, or simply enjoy the view until we regroup.
No prior experience with mindfulness or breathwork is required, and there is no sharing, discussion, or “processing.” The experience stands on its own.

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### What This Hike Is (and Is Not)

This is:

• An intentional, low-pressure hike
• A chance to practice presence while moving
• A midweek reset through nature and steady movement

This is not:

• A therapy group
• A guided meditation session
• A coaching workshop
• A strenuous endurance hike

## What to Bring (Required)

All participants are expected to carry a small daypack with the 10 Essentials. Even on a short hike, conditions and situations can change quickly, and self-sufficiency matters.
Please bring:

• Small daypack (required)
• Water (enough for the duration)
• Food / snack
• Weather-appropriate layers
• Navigation aid (phone with map app, trail map, or GPS)
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Basic first-aid kit
• Emergency shelter or emergency blanket
• Fire starter (lighter or matches)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Whistle or signaling device

You don’t need specialized or expensive gear—simple, lightweight basics are sufficient. The goal is preparedness and personal responsibility, not perfection.

### Important Notes

• Participants are responsible for their own safety, gear, and pacing.
• This is a community-led outing, not a guided expedition.
• Exact location details will be shared with confirmed attendees.

If you’re looking for a calm, grounded way to spend a weekday morning outdoors—and to experience what intentional presence on the trail can feel like—this hike is a great place to start.