Strolls for Wellness - Journey Walk
Location: Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds
AN INVITATION TO
PERSONAL REFLECTION & WELL-BEING
Welcome
Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds is located at 4839 Headquarters Road in Courtenay. There is ample free parking available in the first parking area as you enter off of Headquarters Road. The walk is approximately 2kms. It is easy walking, however, please be aware of possible muddy patches when wet and rainy, as well as uneven ground and root tripping hazards.
You will start and finish this nature walk at the same point. Start your walk via the main dirt road leading from the car park through a gate (Curling Rink to your right). The path runs straight towards the forest and the river. A fence runs alongside on your left, the Exhibition Grounds' washroom facilities and small barns are on your right. You will come to 3 yellow vehicle-blocking metal posts with an outdoor toilet unit to the right.
Before You Begin
Be alert to high wind events, river levels, dogs off-leash and the potential for wildlife encounters.
Take a moment to check in with yourself: What is your mood like? How are you feeling? What bodily sensations are you noticing? What thoughts are running through your mind?
Now, take a deep breath and let it go. You will start and finish this nature walk at the same point. Start your walk via the main dirt road leading from the car park through a gate (Curling Rink to your right). The path runs straight towards the forest and the river. A fence runs alongside on your left, the Exhibition Grounds' washroom facilities and small barns are on your right. You will come to 3 yellow vehicle-blocking metal posts with an outdoor toilet unit to the right.
#1 Stop - The Grove
Go straight down the path until you come to a junction of paths. There will be a grove of trees straight ahead as you enter the forest. Find a comfortable spot sitting or leaning against a tree in this grove.
Reflection Points
As you journey inward, what do you notice? Connect with the earth beneath you and the trees around you.
Take time to feel the history of the earth and trees and what they offer you today.
Return to the path; face the grove you just spent time in; take the path to the right, and stay right until you see the old, unused, horse jump.
#2 Stop - The Horse Jump
Find a comfortable place at the horse jump to sit or lean as you consider the following questions:
Reflection Points
When you think about journeys and journeying, what does this mean or conjure up for you?
How might this walk represent the life journey you’re experiencing?
Return to the trail and take the path on the right (as you face the horse jump). This is a fairly long winding trail. Enjoy the woods and ponder the following as you walk:
Reflection Points
Observe how the mood of nature changes.
How does it compare and contrast with your moods today?
When you come to a junction, take the path to the left and follow the path until you come alongside a fenced field to your right. Horses can often be found grazing there.
#3 Stop - The Horse Field
Take a moment to pause by the fence and consider the following:
Reflection Points
As you gaze at the horse field, make note of any thoughts, feelings, sensations and/or memories that may arise in you.
Continue in the same direction around a sharp left bend. Keep left as the path winds slightly down and up again. Next, you'll pass between two posts, and then go past a green metal bridge on your right. You should now be coming toward a wooden fence on the right, with the river below. Pause when you see an open viewing area overlooking the river to your right. Note: lower areas of this part of the route can flood at times.
#4 Stop - Wooden Fence
Stop at the wood rail fence. While viewing the river, consider this question:
Reflection Points
Pay attention to the transitions that take place in your mood, sensations, and thoughts as you approach the river. Is it different from the forest or the field experience? If so, how?
Stay on this path along the river for a fair distance; eventually, you will pass a metal A-frame with cables crossing the river. You know you have arrived when you see a big tree in the middle of the path, with a sandy slope running down to the pebble beach. The next reflection point is at the riverbed depending on the height and flow of the river. Only go as far as you feel comfortable.
#5 Stop - Big Tree
If you can, wander down to the river. Find a comfortable spot to sit and reflect on these questions.
Reflection Points
Imagine yourself a river. How are you flowing today?
How would you describe your movement?
What can your river “self” teach you about how to move through life?
When you are ready, return to the path you were on, keeping the river to your right.
#6 Stop - Picnic Table
When you see the next big tree in the middle of the path, you will find a cement table with seating useful for resting and sitting to journal, draw, or create other forms of artwork. This is another open view of the river for contemplation.
Reflection Points
Imagine you are a bird in the trees, a creature in the forest, or floating in the river. What kind of creature would you be?
How would you experience this environment?
#7 Stop - The Grove
To complete your reflective stroll, continue onwards, keep the river on your right, and then take the second path to your left. Keep left, and in a short time you will arrive at the grove of trees you paused at, at the start of your walk. Find a comfortable place to sit or stand under the trees, to complete your period of reflection.
Reflection Points
Imagine yourself to be a tree. What kind of tree would you be?
Where in the life cycle of that tree would you see yourself (a sapling, old-growth, nurse log) and what season of the year would it be?
Is there anything that your tree “self” can offer you about how to be present with your life right now?
Exit the forest by the same path you entered - you will recognize the open area at the edge of the forest in front of you as you step out of the grove back onto the path. Before returning to your car, take a last moment to reflect on what you have learned from this experience.
Reflection Points
Become aware of your thoughts, feelings, moods and bodily sensations. What are you experiencing now?
What is the same and what is different from when you started the nature walk?
Now, take a deep breath and let it out, offer thanks to yourself for taking this time to be present, mindful and caring for your whole being as you walk back to your car.
