A mindful twilight walk at Lake Padden
Join us for a twilight program of mindful walking through the change between day and night around the wooded shores of Lake Padden. Our Opening to Nature series explores the wide variety of connections we have with our world. Every day the drama of nightfall is recreated, and yet we rarely pause to notice the daily transition at the margins of light. In our engagement with mindfulness as a place-based dharma practice we take deeper notice of this world and it's everyday miracles. The fall of night is just one of these small celebrations that nature offers to us each day.
This is an easy two and a half mile walk, with a slightly hilly portion, taken at a contemplative pace with several stops along the way to feel the unfolding of night, and hear the transition of diurnal sounds. We will gently invite the bell to ring once at each of our stops, to echo across the lake waters, allowing our music to blend with nature's sounds. If we are lucky we may hear the calling of owls, and call back, or hear the final stanzas of birds going to roost.
We will meet at the main entrance parking lot to the park (towards the west end of the lake) where the bathrooms and swimming area are located, not far from the tennis courts.
You will want to bring a headlamp in case we are faced with having lost the light completely. But we will attempt to not turn lights on, and let our eyes slowly adjust to the dark as we walk. Some water and a a little trail snack might be nice to have along as well.
What to Bring: Water and a light trail snack; an extra layer to wear as it cools down; and a headlamp in case we need them at the end (a phone flashlight is ok).
Directions: Take the West Entrance into Lake Padden City Park, directly off of Samish Way, to the parking area by the bathrooms just above the swimming area. (Don't take the East Entrance onto Lakeshore Drive which leads to the larger picnic area & golf course).
Timing: We'll begin our walk at 7:30pm and expect to be back at the parking lot at 9:30pm (sunset will be at 7:50pm with full dark as we close).
Registration: We incur about $10 in program administration cost for each registration. In the registration process you are offered the opportunity to donate additional funds to help Red Cedar continue to be able to offer these programs if you choose. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. Requests for lower cost registrations may be made here. We are grateful for your continued support.
Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.
Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.
