Walking groups, Mindful Walking | Fresno Mindfulness Walks - Walking Groups, Mindful Walking

Writer, actor, artist Jol DeVitro writes about rediscovering Fresno by walking mindfully

September 5, 2019September 7, 2019 By fmw

Jol DeVitro’s beautifully written article about Fresno Mindfulness Walks, captures the spirit and love for Fresno. Fresno Mindfulness Walks lets you breathe, walk, observe, and discover

Fresno Mindfulness Walk — September 21, 2019, 10 a.m.

August 16, 2019September 7, 2019 By fmw

Hello FMWalkers! Saturday, September 21, 2019, 10 a.m., join us for a mindfulness walk exploring the wonders of downtown Fresno. Walkers will gather and begin at the Fulton District Clock Tower (Fulton and Mariposa) at 10 a.m. and the Tower District. I’ve missed you all, and look forward to discovering together! Lori Clanton

The Design Cycle – everything begins with empathy.

September 23, 2018September 25, 2018 By fmw

Whether you are designing an airplane part or an after-school program, the design thinking process starts with empathy – knowing your customer/community and seeing from their perspectives. FMW weekly walks are a way to observe Fresno, up close, on foot, and fill your empathy reservoir. The Design Cycle graphic illustrates a core element of Fresno…

Better than Zuckerberg’s virtual reality – ‘real reality’

August 26, 2018September 5, 2018 By fmw

Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg is launching Oculus, Facebook’s virtual reality experience. Well, I can do Mark one better, ‘real reality’. For free, and without traveling outside of your own town, you can have a ‘real reality’ experience, unexpected turns and encounters, shared with other people, and involving ALL your senses – sight, sound, smell, feelings,…

The FMW Story

May 20, 2018August 17, 2019 By fmw

Fresno Mindfulness Walks are Saturday morning opportunities for people to walk together for a 4 mile route through a different Fresno neighborhood each week, with the goal of discovering all neighborhoods. I’m inviting people to get out of their usual routes and social circles and walk to observe all of Fresno, to experiences places and…

“I’d rather find ways to help than watch TV.” Jerry, retired, who sweeps his neighborhood. 4/14/18

April 15, 2018April 15, 2018 By fmw

Walkers began at East Rotary Park which was lively with squirrels and birds on a cool, sunny morning. Welcome walkers Sheila, Beth, and Nikiko, and to new walkers, Kathy and Nancy. Kathy is visiting from Washington State and decided to join us! Walkers met Jerry who was sweeping the curbs and sidewalk in his neighborhood…

Giant photo murals celebrate the beauty of our diversity

April 9, 2018June 29, 2018 By fmw

Walk 44, yr 3, began and concluded at Sunnyside High School in southeast Fresno. Walkers strolled 4 miles along the Fancher Creek trail, and then along Church Avenue and Peach to return to the Sunnyside High School campus. Walkers were surprised and thrilled to find students in the midst of installing giant photo murals –…

“With permission to walk without talking, I notice so much more!” Fulton and Downtown, 2/24/18

February 25, 2018March 1, 2018 By fmw

“Walking in silence was very nice. It removes the pressure of having to keep up a conversation, and allowed me to notice more.” New mindfulness walker, John. Welcome walkers: Rachel, Mary, Marilyn, Megan, Sheila, and new walkers John, Linda, and Kathleen! On a gorgeous crisp, clear morning, mindfulness walkers strolled streets of downtown Fresno –…

Between the tracks and freeway – Yonsei Memory Walk, February 17, 2018

February 12, 2018February 19, 2018 By fmw

Walkers gathered at Central Fish Co., 1353 Kern St., and strolled 3 miles of Fresno downtown streets, and returned to Central Fish for a post-walk conversation – where walkers share their experiences with the group. This special route focused on the history and presence of Japanese culture in downtown Fresno. Nikiko reads from a 1950’s…

Fulton Street to G Street – nothing operates in a silo. Walk 37, Yr 3, February 10, 2018

February 11, 2018February 11, 2018 By fmw

“Nothing in Fresno operates in a silo – it’s all connected in some way. What happens in the north, south, east, and west Fresno affects the whole city. Today we strolled the beautiful Fulton Street and just 4 blocks away we encountered hundreds of people living in desperate circumstances. Let’s take it all in so…

Fresno Mindfulness Walks are weekly opportunities for people to walk together for a 4 mile route through a different Fresno neighborhood each week. Walkers practice active mindfulness by attending to the sights, sounds, smells, feelings. Walkers do not talk to each other on walks, but we do greet people we meet along the way. The walk location and exact start time are posted just a few days in advance. All walks are free, require no RSVP, and anyone is welcome to join one walk or many. To learn about upcoming walks, you can sign up for a weekly email in the yellow bar at the top of this website and/or LIKE and follow the FMW Facebook page.

To learn about the routine that begins each walk and read some of the resources that have inspired FMW, check out the resources page.

Weekly walks are about 4 miles and take about an hour and a half. Walks are at a medium pace, often on uneven ground, and sometimes take longer than expected because walkers see themselves as curious travelers lingering to observe or going around a different way.