The first cycle of Moving in Spirit was a great success, with a growing cohort of movement meditators each week as we visited Kubota Gardens, Lincoln Park and Schmitz Park! It was so lovely to see so many Westside folks gathering to walk on their own, and then to do a little deeper sharing with another person during the second half of our time. It’s such an important time to be making and maintaining connections with friends and members new and old, and I’m so grateful to the new folks who made this a point of connection with the community, as well as the long-time Westside folks who welcomed new people so well.

We’re going to continue with the program at least through November, adding in a couple of new parks to our rotation. One question I’m wondering about is whether there would be an interest in having us offer a parallel outdoor program for children, so parents/caregivers could come and enjoy the time with other adults while their kids have a program of outdoor mindfulness and exploration. Send me a note at minister@wsuu.org if that’s something that would appeal to you and your family.

Schedule through November:

Oct. 9 from 9-10:30am – Seward Park
Oct. 16 from 9-10:30am – Camp Long
Oct. 23 from 9-10:30am – Westcrest Park
Oct. 30 from 9-10:30am – Seahurst Park
Nov. 6 from 9-10:30am – Schmitz Park
Nov. 13 from 9-10:30am – Kubota Garden
Nov. 20 from 9-10:30am – Lincoln Park
Nov. 27 from 9-10:30am – Fauntleroy Park

Please be sure to register so that I can make sure you get an email if we have to call off a session due to weather or if we move the gathering spot.

Here’s the description from the first cycle:

For so many Westside members and friends, the experience of wonder and awe is found most often in nature, moving through the trees, listening to the wind, watching wildlife.

Join Rev. Christopher for Saturday morning guided walking or rolling meditation, with questions to hold, time for individual or paired reflection, and seeking joy in the beauty in our outdoor spaces. Bring friends and family, and find a moment of pause, while seeing Westside beloveds. Register below for one or more of the upcoming Saturdays. Let us know on the form if you can offer a ride or need one in order to participate.