Footsteps of the First People: Guided Hike + Meditation

Join Ecotherapist and Nature Whisperer Krista Nelson for a guided hike and meditation to help you rekindle your love of nature and 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.

As a 6th generation Lenape grandmother, Krista honors the Lenape tradition of interconnectedness and reverence for nature. A Lenape language keeper, Krista is working to revitalize this endangered indigenous language and unlock embedded codes to Lenape culture for a people and a planet in dire need of decolonizing hearts and minds.

We will hike for about 2.5 miles on the Trolley Trail, stopping to listen and closely observe the natural surroundings. Our journey will lead us to several small tributary creeks, where we will 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 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 allow you to find your breath in tune with the creek’s flow so you can let troublesome thoughts wash away downstream. It will also help you develop a deeper appreciation for the Lenape — the first inhabitants and stewards of these lands.

Estimated distance: about 2.5 miles
Level: varies (see above)
Terrain: mainly hilly trails

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

TICKET PRICES: Pay what you can – $10, $15, or $20
[ Not sure what to pay? Please refer to this Sliding Scale Pricing FAQ for additional info. ]

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• 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.
• Appropriate for adults and mature adolescents.
• There are bathrooms (porta-potties) available at the start.

PARKING: There is plenty of free parking in the park. As always, NEVER leave valuables in your car!