Ecotherapist Krista Nelson will lead a guided hike and meditation to help you rekindle your love of nature in the heart of winter. With Valentines around the corner, find strength and companionship in a community of fellow nature lovers. Krista’s popular program “Nature as Lover” facilitates healing through five natural elements: fire, water, air, earth, and space.

We will hike for about 3 miles on the trolley trail, stopping to listen and closely observe the natural surroundings. Our journey will lead us along the Chamounix Creek, where we will spread out in seated positions at water’s edge, and collectively meditate accompanied by the reassuring rhythmic sounds of the flowing water. We will join in with the sound of the creek with our own spontaneous humming and whistling and in this way, show our love for the water.

Krista Nelson, our Ecotherapist and Nature As Lover facilitator calls this practice of listening to water and reciprocating with sound, “Creek Drinking” (not literally of course!)

This event will connect you to nature and develop your meditative practice. It will help you find your breath in tune with the creek’s flow so you can let troublesome thoughts wash away downstream.

Finally we’ll gather at a historic picnic pavilion for a fireside guided grief release mediation and group chat. Krista will guide us as we release feelings of loss and loneliness. The light and warmth of the fire will remind us that we have the capacity to love ourselves back to wholeness.

We’ll have hot chocolate, s’mores, and other snacks to share!

Estimated distance: usually about 2-3 miles
Level: varies (see above)
Terrain: combination of flat open parkland and hilly trails

TICKET PRICES: Pay what you can – $5, $15, or $25
[ Not sure what to pay? Please refer to this Sliding Scale Pricing FAQ for additional info. ]

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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• We’ll meet at picnic pavilion behind the Friends of Chamounix Tennis Courts at 50 Chamounix Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131.
• Please dress according to weather conditions.
• Please wear sturdy shoes, comfy clothes and bring water, a snack and, if you would find it helpful, a small meditation cushion (or towel) that you can carry with you during the hike.
• There are nearby porta potties.
• Appropriate for adults and mature adolescents

IMPORTANT: We will leave a few minutes after the scheduled start time (3 pm). Please arrive at the departure location at least 5 minutes early. We cannot guarantee that latecomers can join after the group has departed.

PARKING: Plenty of parking is available on the road in front of the courts or across the street at the Tree Top Quest lot. As always, NEVER leave valuables in your car!