‘If we keep our eyes open and our hearts clear, we can realise that life gives us adequate opportunities to experience both love and hope.’ (John Moriarty)
'I was experiencing an unnegotiable need to walk the earth with a barefoot heart and a barefoot mind.' (John Moriarty)
‘Nature, calling us out of our biographies into the fluvial marvel of now.’ (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.'
'Walking is to return to be guided by our own hearts...' (Unknown)
These walks will encourage speaking from the heart, periods of silence mixed with gentle sharing, storytelling, encounters with nature, and free-roaming/solitary exploration. Contemplation and reflection practices will also be featured, and depending on the number of participants, I may incorporate individual, pair, and group activities.
Example format of a walk (please note this format can change slightly from walk to walk depending on different factors - see note 1):
- Welcome, Introductions, Icebreaker Activity, and Group Guidelines
- Walk for 15 minutes as a group (Silence Optional)
- Gather, check-in, and share for 10-15 minutes
- Walk for another 10-15 minutes as a group with someone leading (Silence Optional)
- Gather, check-in, and share for 10-15 minutes
- Stillness activity and/or free exploration/wandering for 20 minutes approx (Silence Optional)
- Final gather, check-in, and share for 10-15 minutes
- Invitation to share feedback, thank you, and farewell/goodbyes
- (Please note all times given to activities are approximate and can vary during the actual event)
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: We will meet at 10:00am and start walking around 10:05/10:10am. Please be on time to respect other members in the group. We will need to start walking at 10:10am at the latest.
- MEETING POINT: We will meet at the Killinthomas Wood Car Park.
- IMPORTANT: Please read notes 1-14 below to prepare yourself for the walk.
Note 1 - Walk Format
Please note that the format can slightly change from walk to walk as I like to check in with participants and the group regularly during the event to try and understand what they need as the walk unfolds and try to be flexible given the needs that can arise or just how the group is feeling as a whole. Other factors such as weather, location, time, the introduction of new practices and participant sharing can also influence the structure and flow of the event.
Note 2 - Silence
I would like to explore being with silence during the walks, so I will suggest that people do some parts of the walk in silence if they want to and feel comfortable. When we reach destinations or resting points on the walk, there will be a break in the silence to allow for engagement and sharing if people feel like it. I may suggest different prompts or topics at times if needed to stimulate conversation, but primarily, I would prefer to use the group's collective wisdom and shared insights to guide the dialogue. If people prefer or need to talk at times, that's fine, but please be aware of and respect the silence in the space by being mindful of your proximity to others and speaking in softer tones if necessary.
Note 3 - 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 or around 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 4 - Focuses/Topics
Listening, Silence, Heart, Wildness, Breath, Being, Pain/Suffering, Grief, Gentleness, Immersion, Gratefulness, Presence, Patience, Stillness, Honest Vulnerability, Kindness, Respect, Curiosity, Non-judgment, Peace, Innocence, Play, Letting Go, Ease, Rest, Movement, Senses, Feeling, Depth, Simplicity, Choices, Story.
Note 5 - 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 6 - Footwear
There is a chance we could walk through long, wet grass and/or leaves, so hiking footwear or something that can get a bit wet or dirty while you stay comfortable would be advised.
Note 7 - 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 8 - Donations
Donations are welcome and go towards supporting the group. I 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 9 - Bike Parking Facilities
I am not aware of any official bike parking facilities for people cycling to Killinthomas Wood. If I hear or discover anything different, I will update this section.
Note 10 - Toilet Facilities
As far as I know, no official toilet facilities exist at Killinthomas Wood. Please be mindful of this before joining this event. If I hear or discover anything different, I will update this section.
Note 11 - Car Parking Facilities
There is a car park and this is where we will meet.
Note 12 - 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 13 - Disclaimer
Attending this event and every event in this group is entirely in every possible way at your own risk.
Note 14 - Questions/Feedback
If you have any questions or feedback, please do let me know.
