By: Jen Champion
As the crisp air of November sweeps the leaves and our thoughts around, get cozy in your outdoor gear and hike up Spencer Butte, the tallest point in Eugene!
Join us on November 17 to celebrate National Hiking Day with a tranquil and uplifting adventure that weaves together community spirit, gentle yoga poetry, journaling, and delightful surprises.
We will meander up the trail through the Douglas-fir Forest, covered in lichens and mosses, and maybe glimpse a patch of mushrooms peeking through the rain-soaked earth.
The path will be scattered with big leaf maples and plants, adding splashes of color to our eyes and earthy balm below our feet.
As we ascend above the tree line on our way to the summit of 2,058 feet, we will encounter a series of stone stairways, each step bringing us closer to uplifting panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains, Coast Range, and the Willamette Valley.
Hiking is a holistic experience that nourishes our bodies, minds, spirits, and relationships.
Many studies show that time spent in nature can significantly improve heart health, reduce stress, and elevate mood, making hiking a pastime and a path to well-being. Awareness of our physical bodies helps us focus on our step-by-step experiences, fostering mindfulness and agility and contributing to our cognitive health. With every stride, our muscles engage, and our nerve endings transmit sensations through our bodies that connect us with something exquisite and complete.
The rhythmic flow of our breath and the natural cadence of our footsteps will promote a sense of peace and grounding as we navigate the terrain beneath our feet. Our senses will be delighted with the green and vibrant autumn hues and textures. The trails become a canvas for sharing stories, laughter, and moments of reflection that weave us closer together.
Hiking’s whole-body activities and the beauty of nature soften challenging mental and emotional grooves by releasing chatter from the mind, anxiety, and feelings of separation.
We begin to see our challenges with less permanence and may resolve conflicts with greater ease and empathy. The tranquility of the forest, with the sights, sounds, and scents, fosters a connection with nature and humans, and we develop a clear and patient mind and heartfelt compassion.
Reconnect with nature and grow your vitality. Let;s hike together, stretching our bodies and relaxing our minds as we embrace the benefits of hiking and yoga in the Autumn air.
Our journey awaits, ready to inspire and rejuvenate. Meet Jen Champion, Vista Yoga Instructor, at the main trailhead parking lot on Sunday, November 17, at 11 a.m. We will hike up and down, approximately 2.5 miles round trip, and 2.5 hours total for our yoga, poetry, and hike. Dress in clothing appropriate for the weather and bring water, tissues, and other comfort supplies, including a favorite poem.
Questions: Contact Jen at jchampion@vistapsych.com
Phone: 541-517-9733, extension 5568
