SoCal Nature Sangha

ABOUT SLOWING DOWN:
Practicing slowing down is a great way to counter our fast-paced tendencies and help us access more presence in our lives. On this hike, we will be intentionally walking at a slower pace so that we can interrupt and reverse our fast-paced tendencies. Come experience the healing benefits that slowing down and being present with yourself and with nature can offer!

ABOUT THE HIKE:
We will gather at the meeting spot below, have brief introductions, and offer you instructions to practice mindfulness as you hike. Then we will enter into "noble silence" (more explanation in next section).

At the beginning of the trail, you will find a seat next to the creek and we will lead you through a 10 minute guided mindfulness meditation, inviting you to take in all the sights and sounds of the creek.

You will continue on a hike with a section of steep incline and rocky decline, and then finish with another 10 minute guided meditation at a different creek-side spot.

To end we will invite you to share any reflections, ask questions, and together we will transition back to the regular pace of speaking and interacting in daily life.

NOBLE SILENCE:
We will be hiking most of the trail in "noble silence", without talking to each other. By intentionally creating a space where we can be together without speaking, we create the conditions to connect more deeply and intimately with our own experience and our surroundings, while still being in community. While it may initially feel awkward to you, we hope you will ultimately find it nourishing and restorative.

ABOUT MINDFULNESS PRACTICE:
We will provide beginner instructions on mindfulness. This includes various invitations to drop out of the thinking mind and be present with nature and our other five senses. All meditation experience levels are welcome, from beginner to experienced practitioner.

WHERE TO MEET:
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Main Parking Lot
8833 Harmony Grove Road, Escondido, CA 92029
https://elfinforest.olivenhain.com/

Let's meet near the bathrooms, which are located right next to the main parking lot. There is an overflow parking lot if the main one is full, see main picture. And then street parking in certain areas if the overflow parking is full.

If you park in the overflow parking, when you hit the trail, turn right in order to walk back to the main parking lot and meeting area.

TIMELINE:
9:00 am – Arrive at the meeting spot: main parking lot bathrooms
9:05 am – Begin our mindfulness hike.
11:00 am – Our hike will end at this time, possibly earlier.
We will keep track of time so you can relax and enjoy yourself in nature.

IF YOU ARE LATE:
Try to find us on the trail. We will be starting on the botanical trail, which starts off going left (clockwise) on the trail. Do not go straight and cross the creek bridge as that is the wrong way.

HIKE STATS & CHALLENGES:
1.5 mile loop. This is a short but steep hike.
There is a section where we cross a creek by walking on large rocks.
There is a section with a steep incline and the rest of the trail is a more moderate continual decline.
As we will be practicing walking slowly, there is plenty of time to stop to catch your breath on the incline.

ABOUT THE TRAIL
Elfin Forest is a beautiful hike with large trees, and many other varieties of plants and flowers along the trail, and a creek running at the bottom of the mountainside. We will hug the creek for a little, then hike up and down the mountain side, ending again at a different section of the creek.

There are many miles of trails that lead up the mountainside to the actual reserve. We will only be taking a shorter lower loop trail. If it interests you, you might want to plan to explore those other more extensive trails.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Water
• Hat for shade
• Hiking boots or thick tread trekking shoes for walking on inclines and rocky terrain.
• A small camping chair, towel, or something to sit on the ground. Keep in mind you will have to carry it the whole way.
• Hiking Poles (optional): Very helpful for inclines, declines and the short creek crossing. We will bring one pair of poles for someone to borrow, first come gets it.
• Long pants (optional): They are poison oak warnings. If you want to play it safe, wear long pants in case you accidentally brush against some poison oak somewhere.

BATHROOM:
There are bathrooms at the trail meeting spot.

HIKE ENTRANCE FEE:
None

PLEASE NOTE:
We noticed our reception got very weak once you get into that area. Plan accordingly regarding your driving directions. If you are late or can't find the location and try to message me through the app, I probably won't get the message, but you can still try to meet us on the trail.

NATURE PRECAUTIONS:

• Large boulder creek crossing - need to be able to balance on one foot as you step across each stone
• 1/4 mile section of steep incline, sparse shade on incline
• Lots of bees buzzing around the flowers
• Poison Oak warnings around the trail
• Saw some red ants on sections of the trail, but not where we will be sitting and meditating
• Decline section of the hike can have some fine sand, making it a little slippery in some areas
• Rocky steps on parts of the decline. See main photo.
• No cell phone reception

COST:
Free

DISCLAIMER:
Group organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By participating in this hike with us, you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold the group leader or co-leader liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your participation with this group is based on an "at-will basis". Please use your judgment and stay within your ability level to keep safe during the hike.

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ABOUT US
Welcome to the SoCal Nature Sangha!
We are certified Mindfulness Meditation Teachers through Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. We want to create a community of individuals interested in practicing mindfulness and presence in beautiful natural spaces around southern California. We hope you will take a break from our fast-paced and high-tech world to join us in embodied movement and to reconnect with nature.

We offer these community events for free in the hopes that everyone may find their own peace and ease. However, if you feel inclined to show your gratitude monetarily, you can send Venmo donations to Lauren @Lauren-campbell-56