(Evening/Dusk Walk) Wild Winter Walks Into The Heart - Phoenix Park

‘If we keep our eyes open and our hearts clear, we can realize that life gives us adequate opportunities to experience both love and hope.’ (John Moriarty)

'There was something in the darkness and cold that comforted me in my pain. There was something in feeling the rain. There was something if I stayed long enough.'

'I asked myself what would it be like to come out of the light and into the dark. What would I discover about myself and others? What would I find in this space that could help me?'

These walks will encourage speaking from the heart, periods of silence mixed with gentle sharing, storytelling, encountering nature, and free-roaming/solitary exploration. Contemplation and reflection practices will also feature, and depending on the number of participants, I may incorporate some individual, pair, and group activities.

Like other events by Active Social Connections, I will aim to provide a supportive and safe space where we can freely open up about our lives and experiences. Anything you share is confidential and shall not be disclosed outside the space.

• TIME: Dusk is around 17:00pm so we will meet at 15:40pm and start walking around 15:45/15:50pm. Please be on time, to respect other members in the group. We will need to start walking at 15:50pm at the latest.
• MEETING POINT: The meeting point is at the Parkgate Street Entrance to Phoenix Park where the bike rental is located.
• IMPORTANT: Please read notes 1-12 below to prepare yourself for the walks.

Note 1 - Silence

I want to explore and use silence during the walks, so I will suggest that people do some parts of the walk in silence. When we reach destinations or resting points on the walk there will be a break in the silence to allow for engagement and sharing. I may suggest different prompts or topics at times if needed to stimulate conversation, but mainly, I would prefer to use the group's collective wisdom to guide the dialogue. If people like or need to talk at times, that's fine, but please be aware and respect the silence in the space by noticing proximity to others and speaking in softer tones if needed.

Note 2 - Walking Pace

People will be encouraged to walk at their own pace, which they are comfortable with and at the pace they feel in the moment. For some parts of the walk, I want people to explore their being, and that will bring them to different places than others. For example, someone may want to sit on a bench and breathe, someone else may want to stretch using the kerb, and another person may be drawn to walk towards a tree. We will regroup at different intervals before coming back together. If people prefer to talk to someone and walk in pairs or groups, that is fine.

Note 3 - Focuses/Topics

Silence, Heart, Wildness, Breath, Pain/Suffering, Airiness, Gentleness, Letting go, Immersion, Gratefulness, Presence, Patience, Stillness, Honest Vulnerability, Kindness, Peace, Innocence, Play.

Note 4 - Weather/Clothing

Please check the forecast and dress appropriately. I will still walk if there is rain/bad weather unless it is very, very bad.

Note 5 - Footwear

There is a good chance we will be walking through long, wet grass and leaves, so hiking footwear or something that can get a bit wet while you stay comfortable would be advised.

Note 6 - Phones

Please put your phone on silent mode for the duration of the walk so we can create a space with fewer distractions. If you need to take a call, please put some distance between yourself and the group before doing so to respect the quiet space we create together.

Note 7 - Donations

Donations are welcome and go towards supporting the group. We suggest a donation of €3 if you wish to donate. Donations can be made using Revolut, PayPal or cash. If using cash, please have exact change as I don't normally have change on me.

Pay by Revolut - https://revolut.me/davidtbt5

Note 8 - Toilet Facilities

As far as I am aware the only official toilet facilities open at this time in the park are located at the Phoenix Park Tea Rooms. The toilets in Heuston Station are also not too far away. If I hear or discover anything different, I will update this section.

Note 9 - RSVPs

Please only RSVP if you intend to come and change your RSVP to 'No' if you are not going to be able to attend.

Note 10 - Bike Parking Facilities

There are bike parking facilities close to the entrance where we will meet at The Phoenix Park.

Note 11 - Other Meetup Group

We will have people from another Meetup group joining us as well.

Note 12 - Questions

Any questions, please let me know.