This week, I took time out from what quite frankly, can at times be a very daunting schedule of work and family, running a small business in a COVID 19 environment and smack bang in the middle of the rose-pruning season. Not to mention feeling a little down at not being in the USA to attend my annual GardenComm International conference which was scheduled to be held in Colonial Williamsburg in VA.
I participated in the inaugural ‘Mindful Meanderings’ event held in Perth, Western Australia.
A new concept that is organized by Perth-based company Journeys of The Spirit, offering small groups of participants an opportunity to get out into the West Australian bush for a solid morning of walking and mindfulness coaching. One of the many benefits of COVID-19 has been the number of nimble thinking small businesses that have identified a need and altered their business plan, flipped the existing business model on its head, and adapted to the needs of their clients in a COVID safe way. This small business is a great example of that. https://www.journeysofthespirit.com.au/small-group-journeys/mindful-meanderings-australia
We gathered as a group and spoke about the need for taking time to embrace the moments that we were about to experience in the bush setting as we walked through a trail that was easy enough for most able-bodied people to conquer. In a respectful circle, we each shared one word -mine was HAPPY-which described how we were feeling at that exact moment….and so our journey began.
A short way along the trail we paused and a powerful ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ was offered by Tim Bidstrup. Tim shared with us the tradition of giving something back to the Wagyl, the Noongar rainbow serpent, we reached into the clear flowing spring-fed stream and touched the water in a moving and a quite informal ceremony where we offered our scent to the water for which in turn the Wagyl would allow us safe passage through the bush. The spiritual connection between the Noongar people and Boodja (country) is quite intuitive and spiritual beings such as the Wagyl in the landscape form a vital link between man and nature.
The wildflowers are just emerging from their winter slumber and popups of colour were everywhere to be seen. The heady fragrances of Acacia and Boronia made for sensory overload.
At the halfway point, we took time to sit upon a large boulder and be still and silent. The sound of the water rushing down the stream following a good rain shower just days earlier allowed us to meditate and reflect and ….BREATHE.
Delicious morning tea was ever so slightly warmed blueberry friands served with turmeric latte and spiced water and we resumed the non-silent part of our journey.
We chatted and shared stories with friends and strangers alike all the while respectfully taking in the wonderful bush surrounding us, the flowers, the trees, and incredibly more powerful, the water.
This very enjoyable morning closed with everyone expressing gratitude and sharing their one-word emotional response at the end of the trail….mine was INSPIRED…can you see why I chose that word?
When is the last time you took time out to wander through the bush or for non-Aussies…the forest….have you walked in silence allowing yourself to really immerse yourself in your surroundings?
This practice is so powerful, I would urge you to give it a try.
If you are like me you will feel…. Happy, Inspired, and absolutely Rejuvenated and able to take on the world again with great vigour.
