Silent Walks
Everytime I am in nature, with myself or others, I feel at peace.
Being born in Romania, I spent most of my childhood vacations in nature, in the country-side, either roaming the fields freely or helping my grandparents with the summer/autumn works. I have memories of watching rivers flow, of walking on hard dry soil and of warm corn leaves cutting the skin of my arms. loved this time – playfully just being and imagining worlds – as much I really didn’t like it – helping out grownups with carrying further their hard work.
As years passed by I’ve settled in the big city. A yearning for the raw nature kept growing in me, as I distanced myself from my grandparents’ land and home. I found the city parks to be noisy and far from where I lived and city rivers to be flowing guided by the man-made cement river valleys.
Moving abroad, my instinct of finding nature kept helped me feel safe in foreign countries. Now living in smaller cities I enjoy exploring green spaces, in the forest or by the sea. It’s my turn now to do the hard work, to navigate the complexities of modern life and to find calm and rest in meeting the wild outdoors.
What is a silent walk
This longing and personal experience has now inspired me to create the Silent Walks.
Silent Walks is a gathering, in nature, of people that look to find space for silent self-reflection and self-care, to regain rest in their minds and bodies through walk and movement while being with others, in community. During a Silent Walk, I will be guiding our coming together, welcoming you and meeting each other. We’ll start connecting with the needs of the present moment, pausing half way for spoken reflection and connection, ending with a final reflection and closing meditation.
My connection to this practice
I recognised this relation with nature from an early age. Whenever I felt confused, lost or lonely, I would go outside to the nearest green spot or farthest wild nature reserve. Regardless of weather or if my body would ache – I’d go! And feel all the feels, the fears, worries, and pain. I’d get in touch with myself and with something larger than me.. Something would shift in me, and I would be able to continue.
Now, as a counsellor, working with other humans I see this subtle need and longing in their struggles, and how they experience ease when they take time to go for a walk. I keep on going for walks, in the forests, or in the dunes, now to rest, reflect, move my body and reinvigorate all my senses. In a world full of noise and distraction, I’m comfortable with being quiet as much as I love the spoken word, and I believe silence is a soft way of meeting ourselves in the subtler layers of our being.
What would joining a Silent Walk bring you:
Spending time in nature is one of the most well-researched form of self care, and has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve concentration, mood and overall wellbeing. Re-connecting ourselves with nature is the basic act of reminding ourselves that we are not separated, but part of it, interconnected with each other and other beings. The demands of modern social life makes it easier for us to forget.
With taking this time intentionally for yourself you’ll give yourself a simple, yet profoundly powerful experience.
What can you expect:
- Warm welcome upon arrival
- Movement exploration checkin
- An invitation to experience walking in silence
- A pause half way to reflect together and share your needs
- Closing gathering with final remarks, reflections, or meditation
The duration of the walks is between 1 – 2h or longer depending on the group’s pace and needs for rest.
What to bring:
- Comfortable clothing
- Your own water bottle, snacks, lunch
- An open heart
More specific details you’ll receive after completing your registration.
Practical information
The Silent Walks are taking place in 2 locations, namely The Hague and Velp (near Arnhem).
Date and Time for The Hague:
- Saturday 26th September
- Saturday 28 November
Meeting point:
- The Hague: Meet at Kijkduin, at the end of busline 24 direct connection with The Hague CS and end busline 26 direct connection The Hague HS
Dates and Time for Velp (near Arnhem)
- Sunday 30th of August
- Saturday 31st of October
- Saturday 19th December
Meeting point:
- Velp (Rheden): Meet at Velp train station (direct connection with Arnhem CS)