A start has been made!
On Saturday 5 September I had the pleasure of welcoming the first participants to Inner Spirit Hikers.
These participants joined the trial walk to discover the five themes of our course.
We began with a basic breathing exercise to check that everyone felt calm and relaxed before starting the walk. Afterwards we set off from our village of Alvarenga. The first few minutes allow me to observe the participants’ walking technique and posture (Theme: Inner Root). I then explained how to improve these and shared a few simple tips to correct body posture.
We continued walking into the next theme: Inner Flow. While walking we practised breathing exercises to improve oxygen intake, as well as other breathing techniques. In this way everyone naturally slowed their pace and we moved seamlessly into the third theme: Inner Presence.
Are you truly living in the moment? Are you present here and now, or do your thoughts still wander to the work waiting for you at home or in the office? We paused and let our senses take over. We became aware of our surroundings and the views across the Serra da Freita that we were able to enjoy. With these genuine observations in mind, we continued in silence. Human beings simply need silence and stillness from time to time, so we walked a little way out of the village and into nature.
On a quiet path we did an exercise from the theme Inner Surrender. This exercise challenges you to let go of control and to trust another person. As expected, not everyone found it equally comfortable. It can feel quite confronting. After some reassuring words and more intensive guidance from me as coach, the participant in question did find the courage to try it. How brave is that! This theme holds up a mirror and leads to greater self-awareness.
After all these confrontations it was time for something lighter. A chance to unwind. And so we literally skipped our way through the final theme: Inner Child. The message of this theme is never to lose the inner child within yourself. In a playful way we integrated the previous four themes into daily life.
On returning to the village, after an hour and a half of walking and exercises, we finished with a short body scan (Yoga Nidra). We then evaluated over a cup of coffee how everyone had experienced the walk.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for taking part, for their attention, and perhaps most of all for the trust they placed in me as a starting Mindful Walking Coach.
If you feel this sounds interesting and you would like to experience it yourself, please take a look at our range of walks and courses.
Do you have any questions or requests? Feel free to get in touch!
Abraços
Again! Thank you very much for your trust in me as a coach and I hope to see you again soon! Abraços