99% of our ancestors lived in paleolithic times and spent most of their lives outdoors.
It's only in the last few millenia that humans began spending so much time indoors, and only in the last 30 years that we became so fixated on screens. The iPhone is just 15 years old!
Our bodies and minds evolved in relationship to the wild world, but most of us spend most of our time in a built environment that deprives us of the sensory experiences our bodies expect. Many preventable disease arises from a mismatch between the needs of our animal bodies and the practices of modern life.
So, spending time outdoors is more than a nice pastime. It is an essential nutrient for our health and well-being that many are sorely lacking. But even if enjoy walking our playing sports outdoors, we're often distracted by other goals. It's rare to really BE in nature with our full attention.
Though it might seem bizarre to our ancestors, our alienated age calls for deliberate practices of reconnection with the living Earth. Nick Beem has recently trained as a Mindful Outdoor Guide, and he's eager to share this simple but profound method with Grateful students.
Each session starts with simple warm-ups and breathing practices to get the body awake and attuned. Then a slow, mindful walk through a local forest or park, with lots of time to explore with all of the senses (well, maybe not taste). There is time for seated meditation, and finally a group sharing of insights.
This sample class will take place at Harbert-Payne park in Evanston, on the east side of the canal, between Dempster and Main. We will meet at the picnic table at the intersection of McDaniel and Nathaniel Place. See the exact spot by following this link:
https://goo.gl/maps/4pYgGoyyzez5XXqcA
The workshop will take place if it is raining, but not if there is lightning. Please try to register at least one day beforehand, to ensure you will be notified of last-minute changes.
Cost: Normal class rates
Reserve your spot now
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