Hear me out.
This could be a good, maybe great, component to your next event, retreat or corporate offering – that you probably arenāt offering right now.
I remember back in the day hosting my first day retreat and they were so uncommon people were a bit unsure as to what it all even involved. Now they are everywhere and you could use this little nugget as a surprise on the day to be revealed, a unique selling point or simply a memorable part to make your event/offering stand out.
I have used this several times myself, on location in rural grounds, in corporate events and lululemon in house work, based in a busy, noisy city environment.
The great thing is that it has a potential to hold its own in either of these settings. Enriching a retreat or yoga event but also a great breakout opportunity from a corporate climate and it doesnāt matter whether that person uses it as an excuse for a breather or fully participates, it will have the same refreshing effect of being able to step outside the stuffy container of the day and return with a fresh perspective.
Your Guide to Facilitating aĀ Successful Walking Meditation for Retreats and Events.
Adding a walking meditation to your retreat or event can be a deeply enriching and grounding experience for participants. Itās a moment for them to be alone, while still participating and it gives them some choice as to whether they participate or even make a quick phone call instead. The fresh air is welcoming and allows for a natural reset.
But on a more practical level, it can provide you, the facilitator, with an opportunity to tidy up, catch up on your communications, reset the room, gather your thoughts or simply have a break from being fully available to everybody else.
Below is a guide to help you plan and facilitate this offering in a way that is both flexible and engaging. Feel free to adapt these ideas to suit your unique style and environment.
Preparation, Communication, and Logistics:
Start by surveying the area to identify a safe and scenic route.
Consider the time required for the walk and ensure it fits naturally into the retreat schedule.
Pay attention to the weather forecast, especially in locations where conditions can be unpredictable, and adjust your plan accordingly. Communicate with participants in advance to help them prepare. For example, remind guests to pack headphones if you are providing an audio guide and consider bringing a few spares yourself. ( Primark usually has a cheap selection)
Provide clear instructions about the walk, such as where it begins, how long it will last, and simple route options like turning left or right from the venue to allow participants to spread out- remember the audio may need to fit the direction so record accordingly if giving options.
Offering Alternatives and Flexibility:
Not all participants may wish to join the walk, so consider offering an alternative, such as a mindful seated practice. Invite those who prefer to stay indoors to sit by a window with a beautiful view or focus on their immediate surroundings using mindfulness prompts.
To add flexibility, think about how the walking meditation could be shared in different formats. Could you send the script via email, WhatsApp, or a voice note so that participants can engage with it independently, either at their own pace or later in the day but a group activity will help you control the timings and structure of the day better.
Is anyone going to have an issue with hearing? Would it be worth including a printed script with slightly different prompts? Does anybody need accompanying or a chaperone/companion, can we consider both the visible and invisible barriers to the participants?
Incorporating Sensory Elements:
Enhancing the sensory experience can deepen participantsā connection to the practice. If youāre in a location with predictable weather, encourage participants to notice their surroundings, such as the warmth of the sun, the coolness of a breeze, or the sounds of nature.
In less predictable climates, help them engage with other sensesāfor example, by noticing the texture of the ground beneath their feet, whether itās grass, stone, or dirt. You might also include a scent element, such as a peppermint teabag, a drop of essential oil on the wrist, or something naturally found in the area, to further immerse participants in the present moment.
Extending the Practice Beyond the Walk:
Think about ways to extend the mindfulness theme beyond the walk itself. For example, you could provide a recorded Yoga Nidra session for participants to listen to in the evening, helping them relax and reflect at the end of the day.
Consider how this practice might live on after the retreat by creating a āvirtual goodie bag.ā This could include downloadable audio files, private YouTube videos, or repurposed content youāve already created, allowing participants to revisit the experience at home whenever they need it. And helping your impact, your event stay memorable.
Expanding and Adapting the Idea:
Finally, explore how this idea could be expanded or adapted to different circumstances. For instance, could you create a guided visualization as a backup for bad weather? Would a short video introduction or demonstration help set the tone and prepare participants before they begin? By reflecting on these possibilities, you can design a practice that feels interactive and accessible, no matter the setting or situation.
Encouraging participants to explore mindfulness through movement can be a transformative part of your retreat. By thoughtfully planning the logistics, offering creative alternatives, and including sensory and lasting elements, youāll make the walking meditation a memorable and meaningful experience for all.
Extras.
If you are looking for additional facts or nuggets to include in any literature you provide, I have a blog on the benefits of being outside, the effect on our immune system, stress and more listed below:
The Joy Of āOutsidingā – Yoga By Rose
Additionally if you are unsure or unfamiliar with where to begin writing or recording yoga Nidra there are currently two excellent facilitators providing online courses in this linked here:
Adele: https://bio.northernlights.fitness/learn-how-to-teach-yoga-nidra
Pip: unlock the magic of yoga nidra ā Pip Roberts
Itās worth mentioning that activity is not considered to be meditation.
Heres a bit on that:
Can Meditation Be An Activity? – Yoga By Rose
Meditation, Meditative Or Mindful? – Yoga By Rose
So if walking meditation may not quite be the right name and taking into consideration that the word āmeditationā can be instantly off putting to many, what could you reframe this as or re-title it to be more accurate and accessible?
Brainstorm ideas:
- Wander & Wonder
- Ā Stride & Still
- Ā Walk & Awaken
- Ā Roam & Reflect
- Ā Stroll & Savour
- Ā Pause & Pace
- Ā Meander Mindfully
- Ā The Mindful Path
- Ā Ground & Grow
- Ā Steps to Serenity
- Ā Breathe & Begin
- Ā Nature’s Footsteps
- Ā Moving Presence
- Ā Flow & Footfalls
- Ā Roots & Rhythm
