Silent Sharing Walk
Concepts, skills, and qualities taught: Rapport with nature, empathy
When and where to play: Day sunset / anywhere
Number of people needed: For 2 or more people
Suggested age range: Ages 10 and up
Materials needed: No supplies
When and where to play: Day sunset / anywhere
Number of people needed: For 2 or more people
Suggested age range: Ages 10 and up
Materials needed: No supplies
On Silent Sharing Walks participants stroll serenely through beautiful natural areas. In groups of two or three, they walk slowly and silently, communing with nature’s wonders. The harmony they experience during this exercise opens their hearts to all creation.
One evening at dusk, in a mountain forest in Southern California, twelve teenage boys and I experienced a magical Silent Sharing Walk. We walked slowly down a forest track that overlooked the great Mojave Desert. The electrified silence vibrated with insect and bird song. When a walker saw something captivating, he tapped the shoulder of the nearest boy, and pointed to whatever he had noticed.
We spotted a doe, calmly browsing our way. When we arrived within thirty feet of the deer, she raised her head and serenely gazed at us. Her innocent, trusting manner touched us deeply—we felt completely accepted by this gentle forest native.
Later, three coyotes came trotting toward us. They were as curious as puppies, coming a few feet closer, then stopping and howling as they watched us, tipping their heads from side to side, wondering what were these silent strangers.
During Silent Sharing Walks, animals feel our state of mind and our peaceful, harmonious intent. In silence, we feel a common bond with the rest of life and sense the One that flows through all. Even during short, mid-day Silent Sharing Walks, players can enter, for a time, a magical and loving world.
Directions: The ideal number for a Silent Sharing Walk is two or three walkers. If the group is larger, divide into sharing teams of two or three people.
Tell the participants to walk in silence. When one walker sees something captivating, instead of speaking aloud about it, he should gently tap the shoulder of one or more teammates, then point to the object and silently share the enjoyment.
Choose an attractive trail or open area that’s easy to wander through. Since sharing teams move slowly, the distance they travel won’t be great. If there are several sharing teams, agree on a time and place to gather afterwards.
Silent Sharing Walkers experience a beautiful rapport among themselves and with nature. Keeping silent and sharing nonverbally, the walkers become fully present with nature and with one another. It is moving to observe the serene, childlike love of the walkers as they gather around newly discovered flora, bird nests, and other natural wonders.
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One evening at dusk, in a mountain forest in Southern California, twelve teenage boys and I experienced a magical Silent Sharing Walk. We walked slowly down a forest track that overlooked the great Mojave Desert. The electrified silence vibrated with insect and bird song. When a walker saw something captivating, he tapped the shoulder of the nearest boy, and pointed to whatever he had noticed.
We spotted a doe, calmly browsing our way. When we arrived within thirty feet of the deer, she raised her head and serenely gazed at us. Her innocent, trusting manner touched us deeply—we felt completely accepted by this gentle forest native.
Later, three coyotes came trotting toward us. They were as curious as puppies, coming a few feet closer, then stopping and howling as they watched us, tipping their heads from side to side, wondering what were these silent strangers.
During Silent Sharing Walks, animals feel our state of mind and our peaceful, harmonious intent. In silence, we feel a common bond with the rest of life and sense the One that flows through all. Even during short, mid-day Silent Sharing Walks, players can enter, for a time, a magical and loving world.
Directions: The ideal number for a Silent Sharing Walk is two or three walkers. If the group is larger, divide into sharing teams of two or three people.
Tell the participants to walk in silence. When one walker sees something captivating, instead of speaking aloud about it, he should gently tap the shoulder of one or more teammates, then point to the object and silently share the enjoyment.
Choose an attractive trail or open area that’s easy to wander through. Since sharing teams move slowly, the distance they travel won’t be great. If there are several sharing teams, agree on a time and place to gather afterwards.
Silent Sharing Walkers experience a beautiful rapport among themselves and with nature. Keeping silent and sharing nonverbally, the walkers become fully present with nature and with one another. It is moving to observe the serene, childlike love of the walkers as they gather around newly discovered flora, bird nests, and other natural wonders.
Next activity
