Gratitude Walk @ Peoples State Forest

Join us this Saturday at 10 am for a transformative Gratitude Walk on the scenic Indian Council Caves Trail in Barkhamsted, Connecticut! This moderately challenging 6.3-mile loop trail near Barkhamsted, Connecticut. (We will not be doing the entire 6 miles; we will decide based on the level of the group). This trail is considered a moderately challenging diverse landscape, forest, along old stone walls, and scenic views of the Farmington River.
Our gratitude walks are designed for a holistic experience to help you connect with nature, practice mindfulness, and deepen your exploration of self. We will begin with a gratitude circle to connect and center ourselves, followed by a guided gratitude walk in nature through the scenic trails, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of the surroundings.
As we move mindfully through nature, we will incorporate elements of gratitude and aesthetic appreciation to heighten our senses, self-empowerment, and spiritual growth, creating a space for introspection and consciousness expansion. This outdoor adventure is perfect for those seeking meaningful connections and a holistic approach to well-being, which is available by combining the scientific benefits of hiking, gratitude practices, mindfulness, and personal development techniques. Come walk with us, cultivate gratitude, and elevate your senses in a supportive and nurturing community.
The Gratitude Walk Experience:

• Connect with Gratitude: We'll begin by connecting in our gratitude circle. This is a chance to connect with others and share the positive emotions of gratitude. Share one thing you're grateful for, big or small. It can be the people in your life, your health, or the beauty surrounding us. Then, share something you're manifesting or who you're walking for today.

The Mindful Experience: Immerse yourself in nature! We'll practice mindful walking, paying attention to each step, the sounds of nature, and the sensations in your body. This is your moment to tune out the world and into you and the beauty around you.

• Reflect and Appreciate: We will take a moment to reflect on and share our collective aesthetic experience. What sights, sounds, and sensations resonated with you most deeply? How did connecting with nature collectively make you feel?
• Additional Information:
• We recommend checking the trail conditions beforehand, especially after rain or snowfall: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/connecticut/peoples-state-forest-loop
• Bring snacks and water to stay fueled throughout the walk.

We look forward to walking in gratitude with you!

For safety and legal purposes, do not just show up. Please take the time to register and have your guest register for each event. Thank you.

**PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION:
Our Meetup annual fee is now $349 plus taxes, which is $174 plus taxes payable every six months (in October and April). If you find value in our events and would like to help us keep them free and accessible, your donation would be greatly appreciated. Any amount you contribute will directly support our mission and ensure the continued success of our community. Thank you for your generosity and for being a vital part of our group!

*REQUIREMENTS FOR GRATITUDE WALKS/HIKES:
No one wants to find themselves in a situation where they are lost or hurt in the ‘middle of nowhere by themselves – everyone must follow the guidelines to prevent such a scenario, no matter the likelihood of it happening.

• Please DO NOT sign up for a hike if you are not planning to finish it (For safety concerns, we start together and end together. Unless it is an emergency, you will be removed from the group if you show up for the gratitude circle and then leave after or leave halfway into the hike).
• Keep an ID with your emergency contact/s information with you at all times, just in case of an emergency.
• Bring water to stay hydrated, snacks for energy, bug/tick repellant, wear comfortable clothes (non-cotton if possible.. to keep dry), and wear trail sneakers or hiking shoes/boots for comfort.
• Be open, accepting, and respectful at all times. Also, you can social distance and wear masks if you feel more comfortable doing so.

KINDLY DON'T BE A NO-SHOW. Please be considerate and cancel your spot at least 24 hours in advance, especially on a hike with a waitlist. No-shows and last-minute cancellations will not be included in future events.

PARTICIPATION IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. Hike leaders are not responsible for your safety, you may sustain an injury while hiking.

COVID AGREEMENT: There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where other people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. Participating in an event hosted by Gratitude Choice Project, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID in the next 14 days, you agree to contact the hike leader, who will provide contact tracing information.

------------ What to bring: * Wear comfortable sneakers or hiking boots * * 2 bottles of cold water * Trail snacks for energy * Insect repellent

--- Legal Stuff --- By clicking on "Yes" for this event, you agree, warrant, and covenant as follows: In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors, and administrators, do waive and release any rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the Gratitude Choice Project meetup group for and related to the above-listed event. I confirm that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above-listed event. I grant Gratitude Choice Project permission to use any photographs of this event for any purpose related to the gratitude walk. #transformation #businesscoaching #empowerment #wellness #mentalhealth #lifecoach #positivity #mindsetcoach #gratitude #lifelessons #inspiration #growth #grateful #mentalfitness #selfhelp #spirituality #instagood #drnicolachambersholder #gratitudechoiceproject #psychologist #naturelovers #gratitudewalk #outdooradventures #hiking #cthikes #walk #nature #peace #positivevibes