Sensory Walk

Lie on your back on the grass and feel your weight sink into the mountain beneath you. Looking up, notice the similarity of the shape of the branches of the trees above you to the bronchioles of your lungs. Breathe with the trees. Share any thoughts that come to you about your relationship with this place.

Try taking in the whole horizon at once with your gaze, using your peripheral vision. Take a few breaths with the breadth of the landscape.

Notice the shift in atmosphere and light as the path opens up in the approach to the view to the west. How do you feel here?

Slow down and absorb the dense detail of this site, both near and far. Listen to the miniature waterfall behind you as you see the city in the distance through the tree ferns. Take a photo or recording of something you are attracted to at this site, and something you are repelled by.

Give a rousing speech to the forest from this ‘lectern’! (Make sure someone videos you)

Where do you want to place your body in this site? Stand, sit or lie in that spot. Speak out loud continuously (and record) for 1 minute everything you feel and notice at this site. Include your body’s sensations, your emotions, and what your see, hear and smell.

Next to the fallen Trig Track sign, notice the hollow tree. Try making some bird-like sounds into it.

What tree are you drawn to in this area? Go and touch that tree, feel its bark, notice its shape and colours up close. Write or record some words to describe your tree.

Observe your breath and muscles as you walk up the hill. Try taking a few steps backwards (slowly and carefully). Notice the difference in your muscles and posture. 

Notice the narrow path to your right leading into the denser bush. Take about 20 steps down this path. Take 3 deep breaths. Soften your eyes and ears to the forest. 

Return back up the narrow path and continue quietly and lightly along Trig Track.