What we’re about
Welcome to the SoCal Nature Sangha!
We are certified Mindfulness Meditation Teachers through Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. We are excited 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. There will be sections of the hike that we do in silence, so we can really immerse ourselves in our own experience. We will provide instructions on mindfulness of body, sight, and sound. We will also offer seated guided meditations throughout the hike. Beginner and experienced meditators, or those just curious, are all welcome.
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See all- Mindfulness Hike at Mission Trails Regional Park, San DiegoMission Trails Regional Park, San Diego, CA
# Mission Trails Regional Park - Oak Canyon Trail Loop
ABOUT THE MINDFULNESS HIKE:
We will meet at the trail head #9, Grassland Crossing. We will walk a little onto the trail and then pause for introductions and instructions to practice mindfulness during the hike. Then we will continue in "noble silence", without talking to each other (more explanation below), for about 1 mile, moving at a strolling/leisurely pace, and inviting a deeper embodied connection with ourselves and nature. We will take a 10-minute break for a guided seated/standing meditation. We will continue in noble silence for another mile, then pause for another 10-minute guided meditation. Then finish with a short 0.2-mile walk back to where we began, and invite you to share reflections, ask questions, and help us transition back to regular daily life.NOBLE SILENCE:
We will be hiking most of the trail in "noble silence", without talking to each other. We've noticed that when conversing on a hike, our focus is mainly on the other person, listening and responding, and it's easy to be less present and miss the beauty of the natural world around us. So by intentionally creating a space where we can be together without speaking, we create the conditions to connect more deeply with ourselves and our surroundings while still being in community. While it may initially feel awkward, we hope you will find it nourishing and restorative. We will also ask you to put your phone on silent (if possible).ABOUT MINDFULNESS:
We will provide beginner instructions on mindfulness in nature. 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:
We will meet at the trail head #9, Grassland Crossing. See photos for a picture of what the gate looks like. Here are some options for finding the location:Here is a Google Pin location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oGjQ4Hjtpd34Rrb19?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Here is a link to the hike on AllTrails. Look for the option to "Get directions". If you copy the address and paste it into your GPS, it will put the coordinates in it. I use Waze, and it was able to use the coordinates without any problems. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/grasslands-crossing-north-perimeter-and-oak-canyon-trail-l
As you approach the trail head, you will see a dirt parking lot available on your left side or lots of parking on the side of the road. The trail head #9 is located further east, down the street. The gate is marked with a clear sign of the number 9 on it.
Coordinates. 32.83894, -117.03379
TIMELINE:
8:45-9:00 am – Arrive at the trailhead
9:00 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.
HIKE STATS & CHALLENGES:
2.3-mile loop. 170-foot elevation gain. Little to no shade. There is a very short section of moderate-incline and another section with 15-20 double-height stairs. This is a strong beginner hike. Parts of the trail could be muddy and a little slippery from rain.ABOUT THE TRAIL
Oak Canyon features sunny clearings in grassland meadows, spring wildflowers, seasonal waterfalls, tall trees beside a creek, and hillsides dotted with boulders. The trail's big oak trees provide lovely shade. The trail crosses the river on a footbridge. During the rainy seasons, water rushes through the canyon. The Oak Canyon Trail leads into a narrow canyon with a steeper grade, more giant stones, and more trees.WHAT TO BRING:
- Water
- Hat for shade
- Layered clothing
- Close-toed hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction
- A travel chair, towel, or something to sit on the ground
BATHROOM:
There is no bathroom on the trail. However, there is a bathroom at the Shell gas station, right off the freeway exit. You can't miss it, and it is a great place to stop by before the hike and fill up your tank.Shell Gas Station Address
7757 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee, CA 92071HIKE ENTRANCE FEE:
NoneDRIVING DIRECTIONS:
Coming from either 52 East or West, exit Mast Blvd, turning left. Then make a quick right turn (0.1m) onto W Hills Parkway. In 0.6m, you will stop at the Mission Gorge Road streetlight and see the Shell Gas station with a bathroom across the street. Turn right onto Mission Gorge and stay hugging right (0.1m) onto Father Junipero Serra Trl. As you get closer to the trailhead, you will see a dirt parking lot on your left-hand side. You can park there or continue to drive down the street and park on the side of the road. You want to look for a gate entrance with a clear sign of the number 9 in the center of it.PLEASE NOTE:
We start promptly at 9:00am. If you are late, try to find us on the trail.NATURE TRAIL PRECAUTIONS:
We didn't see any ticks or rattlesnakes on our recent visit, but online reviews from other people say rattlesnakes have been spotted. We will be staying on the trail, so that should not be a concern. There will be sections where we will stop to rest and do short meditations. You may want to sit on the ground for those, so plan accordingly. You might want to bring a small travel chair or towel to sit on. Sections of the trail can be slippery and muddy.DONATION:
We offer this hike for free to the public. However, if you feel inclined to show your gratitude monetarily, you can send Venmo donations to Lauren @Lauren-campbell-56DISCLAIMER:
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.-----
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.
