Sugarloaf Mountain Walk (Winter)
What would it be like to enter the landscape and walk the land in a sacred way? What might we discover about ourselves and this living system we call home, if we were to slow down and mindfully explore both our inner and outer landscape? Hindus and Buddhists circumambulating Tibet’s Mount Kailash. Pilgrims trekking the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Indigenous Australians following the Songlines of their land. Hiei-zan monks in Japan practicing 1000-day walking meditations. For thousands of years and in almost every culture and spiritual tradition, people have walked the land as a way of connecting with the sacred nature of the life within and around them.
Our walk will be interspersed with stops for meditation, readings, and contemplations to bring a greater awareness to our experience of being with and on the earth. As Gary Snyder said about his and others’ circumnambulation of Mt. Tamalpais in the early ‘60s – “The main thing is to pay your regards, to play, to engage, to stop and pay attention. It’s just a way of stopping and looking — at yourself, too.
The Winter walk will focus on the experience of the forest at rest and how we can use the naturally contemplative, quieter energy of Winter to prepare us for the vibrant, creative time of Spring.
- Our walk will be about 5-6 miles, with some uphill portions (to keep us warm!)
- We will meet at the lower parking lot at Sugarloaf Mt, Dickerson, MD at 9 am. The day will finish about 3 pm.
- Maximum number of participants: 20
This walk is offered on a dana (donation) basis. Suggested donation: $30. For more information or to register contact Ellen: e@wildpresence.org.
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What past participants have to say about their day on the mountain:
“What did I like about the day? Everything in particular!”
“I loved being able to meditate on the mountain, taking a break from the city and “reconnecting” with nature. … Overall, this was a very enriching experience. I am glad my first retreat took place in nature, as I had a hard time imagining myself being able to sit still and meditate in silence for a whole day (or days) indoors. I can’t wait for the next opportunity!”
“Ellen was modest and full of knowledge, caring and open to all others’ experiences… and helped us open awareness at perfect locations. Her joy of place was infectious, and her care for all life uplifting.”