Strolls For Wellness Aliveness Walk

Strolls for Wellness - Aliveness 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.

#2 Stop - The Horse Jump

Reflection Points

#3 Stop - The Horse Field

Reflection Points

#4 Stop - Wooden Fence

Reflection Points

#5 Stop - Big Tree

Reflection Points

#6 Stop - Picnic Table

Reflection Points

#7 Stop - The Grove

Reflection Points

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

Tune into the trees in the grove and see if you can feel their aliveness. Now tune into yourself. How are you experiencing your own sense of aliveness 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

Observe the forest around you. Find a small area on which to focusyour attention. Allow yourself to be drawn by your curiosity into the smaller world at your feet or looking at a particular tree in your vicinity.

What aspects attract you the most: colors, smells, shapes,textures? Note or draw anything that captures your imagination.

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

What’s most alive for you on your walk today? Listen to the trees, the river, the plants, the forest, the animals, and your own breath. Take note of what feels alive in and around you.

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

Imagine if this were your whole world. Who might you be and how might you see and experience the world from this vantage point?
If there are animals in the field today, what does seeing them evoke in you? If there aren't any, what does this open space evoke for 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

As you observe the flow of the river, notice what stirs in you.

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

What is sparking your life force today? If you struggle to find something, recall a moment where you felt fully alive. Now close your eyes and feel yourself back into that moment.
Notice what affect your conscious focus on a positive emotion has on your internal senses.

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

Tune into your inner senses and feel if you are drawn to a particular place, direction, or specific object. Follow your inner compass today.

#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

As you observe the forest, can you detect movement around you? Can you feel movement or possibility in yourself?
Is there a tree, a view, or plant you can get to know, become more intimate with, or have a conversation with today?

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

Pay attention to 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.

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