In this retreat, we would like to take time to simply be in nature, to walk, rest and enjoy the present moment. We leave the busyness of everyday life behind, slow down and open ourselves to the beauty and peacefulness of the natural world.

Each day, we will walk about 10 kilometres through the beautiful forests and gently hilly landscape around Waldbröl. This is not a hiking retreat focused on speed or performance. We walk at a relaxed pace, with an alert and mindful mind, allowing our bodies to find their own natural rhythm.

We walk mostly in silence, allowing our steps, our breathing and the sounds of nature to come together. There will be plenty of time to rest and enjoy our surroundings. During the breaks, we may share mindfully with one another, or simply sit in silence, listen and enjoy being together. A special part of this retreat is deep relaxation in hammocks in the middle of nature. This way of resting has a special place in our community. Our teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, also loved resting and gently rocking in a hammock. We can allow ourselves to be carried and rocked like a child in a cradle, relax our whole body and simply receive the nourishment of the present moment. Surrounded by the sounds of the forest, the movement of the trees and our own breathing, we can experience how deeply nourishing it is to let go of the need to accomplish anything and simply be.

Meditative practices will accompany us throughout the day. They help us return again and again to ourselves and touch our deep connection with our body, with nature and with the present moment.

At lunchtime, we will enjoy a picnic together in nature. We usually return to the monastery in the late afternoon, before dinner.

Please bring:

• A hammock

• Lunch box

• Water bottle

• Comfortable and suitable hiking shoes

• Weatherproof clothing and rainwear

The retreat ends on Sunday before 2:00 pm.

This retreat takes place at the same time as the other Hiking Retreat. Some activities and parts of the programme will be shared, allowing both groups to enjoy the joy and support of practising together as a Sangha.

May every step bring us closer to ourselves, and may every moment of resting remind us how nourishing it is to simply be here and now.