Details Here and General Description Below:

Who: This workshop will be suitable for all levels of experience with mindfulness practice. The hiking is best categorized as easy/moderate since we will be taking frequent breaks, moving slowly on well-marked trails.

What: For hundreds of years mindful awareness was cultivated in the outdoors. Join us in the age old tradition of entering into the natural world to observe, sense, listen and participate in the beauty and wisdom of nature. Guidance will be offered with regard to exploring present moment attentiveness and working with sensory awareness in nature.  We will be practicing Mindful Walking, Sitting, Lying Down and Standing.

Where:  Monmouth Battlefield State Park,  16 Business Route 33, Manalapan Township NJ 07726     Phone (732) 462-9616

When: Please plan to arrive by at least 9:45 so we can begin promptly at 10.  We intend to be back in parking lot between 2:30 and 3pm.

What type of trails:  We will be walking on some fairly narrow wooded trails with the usual roots and rocks, some grass and open field areas, as well as along side several apple orchards.  Some slight changes in elevation but no major inclines or challenging terrain.

Why: “Come and See For Yourself”   

What is the registration fee: Fee for this workshop is $65 ($55 for MBSR Alumni)

Click Here to Register for this Program

What to bring:

•       Some form of secure, comfortable footwear (sneakers, hiking sandals, boots)
•     Something light that you can use to sit and lie down on for lunch or other practices (A light Beach towel works well)
•         Layers of clothing so you can add or remove as weather and body temperature changes.
•       Enough water to help you stay hydrated
•   A small lunch or snack (something nourishing that you can carry with you in your backpack.
•   A backpack or bag that can be worn/carried comfortably.
•   Small pack of Kleenex
•   Anything else you know that you need or prefer to have with you when hiking in the woods and yet working with attachments and minimalism to       help keep your pack light.

Optional items:

•       A hat, sunglasses, sun screen, natural bug repellent 
•   Pen and paper should you be inspired to record/sketch any reflections/insights/images.
•       A small pair of binoculars
•       Walking poles if you like using them
•       Wet wipes/hand sanitizer (we will have some with us as well)

 General Description

In the interest of supporting your beginner’s mind we will be providing only a rough sketch of the day’s schedule to help you decide whether you would like to attend and how to prepare.

The day will predominantly silent, apart from instructions and mindfulness guidance from leaders, periodic opportunities to report on one’s experience/ask questions about our mindfulness practice in nature/ and some time for social conversation following lunch and at end of the workshop. Otherwise, we will be offering each other and the beings around us the gift of silent, yet heartful presence, as we explore the changing landscapes of the natural world.

We will be pausing periodically along the trail to rest, to orient ourselves to the changing sensory experiences of the forest and to listen……. and to observe. Workshop leaders will be at  front and rear of the group as we walk .

There will be an opportunity for a light lunch/snack in an open grassy area.   Here is when having something to sit or lie down on will come in handy.

Just prior to eating, some brief instruction about mindful eating will be offered and you will be invited to eat your lunch in silence.

After the mindful lunch time there will be some time for individual relaxation/strolling in and around the Apple Orchards.

After the relaxation/free time, we will again re-form as a group for continued practice as we gradually make our way back to the starting point.

 There will time for reflections, Q&A, and socializing.
There are is a local farm market very close by that serves apple cider and apple cider donuts and other homemade autumn treats.