It’s a hearty group that gets out every Wednesday morning to hike the Overlook Trail. Who cares if it’s cold or rainy, the trail has it’s special beauty, and the deer seem to enjoy the company.

Come out and help the Sonoma Ecology Center maintain the trails of  Montini Preserve with the restoration team. Bring gloves, hat, and water that you can carry hands-free (i.e. bring a backpack). Wear long pants, boots or sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Poison oak is present, so long sleeves are suggested. We have tools and trained staff with tasks for all. Those under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. We will provide tools and refreshments for volunteers.

No RSVP required. Meeting at 4th Street Kissing Gate (cross-street is Haraszthy) at 9:30am on Oct. 12th.

Jeff Falconer led a group of hikers on Sunday on a silent hike to the top of the Overlook Trail where the mindful walkers enjoyed the sweeping view with a deep calm.

Jeff started the hike by suggesting the hikers combine awareness of breath, body in motion, and enjoy the natural surroundings for an enhanced experience.

If you’d like more information about enhancing your hikes with the discipline of meditation Jeff’s newly published booklet on Walking Meditation is available for purchase at Readers Books.

Join us for a Meditation Hike on the Overlook Trail, Sunday, July 28, 5:00pm – 7:30pm

Led by Jeff Falconer.  Cost: Free! No Registration or Reservation Needed
Meet at the Sonoma Overlook Trailhead Kiosk
198 1st St. West at the entrance to Mountain Cemetery

The everyday activity of walking, combined with an awareness of one’s breath, one’s own body in motion, and one’s surroundings, can quickly reward the mindful walker with a deep calm and increased sense of belonging in the natural world.

Please join us as we explore this lovely activity on a relaxed 2.5 mile loop hike to the top of the Overlook Trail to enjoy the sunset and light refreshments afterwards. Your guide, Jeff Falconer, will begin the journey with a brief overview of Walking Meditation, followed by a short standing meditation to ground and center us before embarking.

About Jeff:
Jeff has practiced meditation for many years. He spent time at an ashram, a spiritual hermitage, in India in the early 1970’s, is also a Tai Chi enthusiast, and an avid… mostly mindful… hiker. Jeff’s newly published booklet on Walking Meditation will be available to purchase to guide your personal journey after the hike.

Photo from last year’s meditation hike