for the mind that wants to be present and the forest that invites it
Mindfulness + Bird Watching | a guided mindful walk in the forest, with birds and chai | $25 drop-in or $60 for three classes
a guided walk into the present moment
Mindfulness is the practice of bringing attention to what is happening in the present moment while letting go of judging it as good or bad. Rather than distracting ourselves from whatever is here, we breathe into it, and we learn to be here now, with the earth as it is, so that we can lean into the pleasant experiences in nature and enjoy them fully.
Ayurveda counts the senses as the doorways through which we take in the world, and a walk in the forest gives them a great deal to meet. Join Seth Chapman, Mindful Outdoor Guide and local birder, for a mindful outdoor experience in which you are guided through nature and invited to deepen and broaden your awareness of, and connection to, the living earth.
why mindfulness in nature
Nature offers the practice a living teacher. Walking mindfully through the forest, with an emphasis on birds, gives the senses something to meet and the mind a gentle reason to return to the present.
We begin by working systematically through a mindful flow designed to soothe and settle the mind and nerves. With centered awareness, we then walk mindfully, absorbing the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the forest.
The benefits of participating:
Decrease in the presence of the stress hormone cortisol
Decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity
Decrease in blood pressure and heart rate
what you receive
A guided mindful outdoor experience with Seth Chapman:
Learn the importance of practicing mindfulness
A mindful flow to soothe and settle the mind and nerves
A mindful walk through the forest, with an emphasis on birds
Become more connected to and familiar with the living earth
Observe birds in their habitat
A more intentional, meaningful connection to Self
A closing council to share your experience as a group, with complimentary chai
Community connection with others who share an interest in nature and wildlife
your investment: $25 per class
Single class drop-in: $25
3-class pack: $60 (save 20% when you commit to a three-session block)
Community Care Funds are available for those who need support with tuition. Please contact us for support.
All Access Members receive an additional discount on this event.
If you have any questions about registration, please contact us at contact@ayurvedicwellness.center and we’re happy to help.
who it’s for
Anyone who is curious about mindfulness, birding, or spending time in nature. No prior experience with either practice is necessary.
your questions, answered
Do I need experience with mindfulness or birding? No experience is needed. Seth will guide the group through each part of the walk, and the practice is designed to be accessible to complete beginners.
What should I bring? Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Bringing binoculars is encouraged but not required. We also recommend bringing a mug or thermos for the complimentary chai.
Is this event indoors or outdoors? This is an outdoor experience held on forest trails, so it will take place rain or shine unless weather conditions are unsafe.
Where do we meet? We gather at the Ayurvedic Wellness Center and head out together.
Can I join more than one session? Yes. You can drop in for a single class or save 20% with the 3-class pack.
Seth's Yoga + Ayurveda journey began over a decade ago after attending a yoga class in Kalamazoo. He is a lifelong learner with a passion for nature, and an interest in learning new skills.
Seth has a lifelong passion for birds, and loves sharing his enthusiasm of the bird world with those around him. His interest in birds led him to begin his life list at the age of 10. Seth also volunteers at a local nature center where he monitors nestboxes, as well as volunteers at a bird banding station.