LANE COVE COMMUNITY CHAPLAINCY
  • About Us
  • Get Involved
  • Blog
  • Give

Thinking out loud ...

Walk and Wonder

10/8/2022

1 Comment

 

‘Look at these tiny diamonds!’ Primed to notice beauty in our natural surroundings, we shared our delight in the glittering raindrops dispersed along the spiny needles of the Sheoak trees. We’d passed these Sheoaks every week, but the recent rain and sunshine had transformed them. As we walked amongst them, we wondered why the droplets stayed on those drooping needles, apparently defying gravity? And why were they so evenly spaced? A closer look showed the needles were notched along their length; and now we knew why! Each Wednesday, we walk familiar routes, but with the changing conditions, we continue to delight in new discoveries.

Child-like wonder stimulates joy and helps us to focus away from our problems in a healthy way. Sharing our observations with others lifts them too, connecting us positively. We utilise our senses to engage appreciatively with our surroundings. What do we see, hear, smell, touch and occasionally, taste, that brings delight? Appreciating our natural environment motivates us to care for it too.

Walking is great exercise and especially in nature. Even the effect of the greens and blues found there, cause us to relax. When busy minds relax, creativity returns. The air we breathe is fresh and oxygen-rich. The interdependent life around us inspires us to gain perspective on the crucial role of healthy, supportive relationships.

We encourage relationships of care. When a large group of varying abilities walks together, the distance between the leader and the last walkers increases. Hence, we pay attention to those behind us, watching they don’t miss the turns. We help each other through difficult areas. We accompany people so they don’t walk alone for long stretches, especially newcomers, unless that is their preference. We find that people who walk regularly in nature tend to be considerate people anyway. Maybe this isn’t a coincidence, but the result of becoming more in tune with nature, others and ourselves?

Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy offers three different walking groups, to encourage people to participate at their level and time availability. We’ve been offering walks for over seven years now and many people enjoy them. We warmly welcome newcomers, so check out the options on the Groups and Events page if you are interested. Alternatively, there is an excellent resource for local trails called Bushwalks around Lane Cove which will help you get started with family and friends. Plan to enjoy the many benefits of walking and wondering soon.

                                                                         Wander often. Wonder always.
1 Comment
Lena Beryl Blok
13/8/2022 07:51:20 am

Wonderful thoughts. Thank you Karen.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    AUTHOR

    The articles here are currently written by Liam McKenna, Lane Cove Community Chaplain.

    Previously, Peter Andrews on behalf of the Chaplaincy Team from beginning 2023 to May 2023.

    Articles prior to that were written by Rev. Karen Paull, previous Lane Cove Community Chaplain.

    Blogs appear in The Village Observer, and are repeated here.

    Archives

    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    March 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Location

What People Say About Us:

We appreciate all you do for our community"
​"It feels like family"
​"Thank you!"

Contact Us...

0404 596 592

Picture
  • About Us
  • Get Involved
  • Blog
  • Give