MindFul Miles - San Vicente Redwoods hike

Mindful Miles Meet up Group
Meditation in Movement
February 2024
2-25-24- San Vicente redwoods
10 am-noon
This group will combine Mindfulness, Forest Bathing, and Meditation with movement The goal is to be present and focused only on the present moment (the NOW) while using and focusing your attention on your 5 senses.
Although there will be a group meeting up to start, each individual will walk alone and will not be engaging with others until the end if they care to. This is an individual session for YOU only. People can share their experiences at the end of the walk but it is optional.
I’d ask if each person would bring an intention (written down) for the hike. You will NOT be asked to share your intention unless you’d like to, but please have it written down.
Bring all that you’d need for 2 hours on the trail – sunscreen, hat, water, snacks/food etc; small towel if you want to sit down along the way.

******This hike will start at 12001 Empire Grade at the San Vicente Redwoods. This is a beautiful NEW park which is a land trust. It is a special partnership of private, donor funded organizations working together to save and heal the forest. You’ll see the forest regenerating after the fires and some beautiful vista views looking out towards the ocean.
The quickest way up there is to go to Bay street and head up towards the UCSC campus.
When you get to High go left. High turns into Empire Grade. Follow it up for 13 miles. You will see the park signs on the left at about 13 miles up from the corner of High and Bay. There is a parking lot there and lots of parking.
There is NOT a charge to park or use the park but they do ask that you do a ONE TIME REGISTER for a hiking pass.
Here is the link for that:
https://landtrustsantacruz.org/protected-areas/san-vicente-redwoods

We will meet on the left side of the parking lot by the restrooms.
This is a 3 or 4 mile round trip hike with connecting trails if you would like to do more mileage.
You can walk as much or as little as you’d like.
It is an easy 1.5 or 2 miles out slightly downhill mostly single track and very well marked. I will have maps at the start and the route marked that we are taking.
Dress in layers, as it could be chilly but there are any sunny spots as well. You can do this trail in sneakers but I’d suggest boots if you have them.
We’ll meet back at the meeting spot for those who want to debrief, chat etc. There are tables and sunny spots in this area.
Please come 15 mins early so I can give you some more information about the objective and trail we’ll take, mileages etc. We will start at 10:05 SHARP.
This hike we may focus on pausing and centering; bringing a new element into our mindfulness. There is a Vista point with places to sit and take a break, as well as some nice spots near the bridges and river with soothing water sounds great for meditation or just relaxing.

Also I find it helpful to have a small notebook with you where you might write down some of your observations as you go through this process. Again optional.

Book Recommendation for the group. The Power of Now. Great book if you haven’t read it!
I look forward to seeing you!
Please let me know if you have any questions or problems.
Thank you!
Kim
Mindfulness: A mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.
Mindfulness can help people avoid destructive or automatic habits and responses by learning to observe their thoughts, emotions and other present-moment experiences without judging or reacting to them.
Forest Bathing: (Shinrin-yoku-a Japnaese word) Is a practice or process of therapeutic relaxation where one spends time in a forest or natural atmosphere, focusing on sensory engagement to connect with nature.
Meditation: To engage in a mental exercise (such as concentration on one’s breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness. To observe one’s thoughts without judgment.