Enjoy a variety of beautiful walks in the company of others.
On low tides we enjoy the beauty of the Tutukaka Coast. At high tide we meander in the bush on single tracks appreciating native trees, sharpening our judgement and neural pathways, and very often fostering a feeling of gratitude and a humbling sense of awe.
We get out and about all year round, meeting on Wednesday mornings during school term time. You can walk with Nordic or tramping poles, or unaided. A shared experience with others is so important for our wellbeing, a sense of belonging and support occurs with the realisation that we are all connected to each other and to the greater whole. At times we walk quickly, finding the right pace to enhance our fitness, yet there is always the opportunity to pause and be mindful of our journey.
Time in nature/taiao
Being in nature brings space to move and breathe, to begin to feel your heart, your spirit. Often the busy mind tends to otherwise dominate the spirit. A balance of body-mind-spirit is an innate default, and it is always available to us. Amongst the happy sound of chatting, it is helpful to consciously notice the grounding of the whenua, the flowing of the moana, the breathing ngahere. An occasional pause to lift your gaze, helps you to slow, to be present in the moment, to enjoy and nourish your five senses.
At the Moana
Watch birds flying or on the shore, see the colours and patterns of a rough and calm sea, listen to the rumble or the lapping, sense the rolling of your shoes or the sand under your feet, smell the moana, taste it on your lips. As you walk, sense each step settling into the rhythm of your natural breath.
‘Ngahere bathing’ !
As you follow a track and round a corner, you will often see a rakau/tree that will take your breath away, or a little friendly guiding piwakawaka/fantail flitting about, the ‘whoosh’ of a kereru right by your ear. It is easy to be quiet and present here, to take a short pause for mindful walking, just the sound of your footsteps on the soft earth. You may sense a brief solitude, but not loneliness, as you feel and hear your breath, sharing your energy with others and the rakau breathing, you are one with the ngahere, giving and receiving. You will realise a welcome Wednesday walking respite.
