On a crisp and clear morning, mindfulness walkers set out from Friant and Fort Washington to explore Woodward Park. Walkers lingered in the vibrant and fascinating Art of Life Healing Garden. Ronna who was walking today pointed to a stepping stone she had created. 
then down the slope and along the full and fast moving river.
Walkers kept to the river’s edge past a mobile home park and then under the Hwy 41 freeway. Walkers climbed up and then across the Hwy 41 walkers path to the other side for a quick look on the Madera side of the river.
At the walk conclusion, Walkers gathered for a few minutes of conversation and shared their observations, perspectives, and lessons:
Awar
e of civilization and nature existing side by side. The birds don’t have a problem with the freeway, they just adapt. Walkers watched the flight dance of hundreds of birds under the freeway near their mud nests.
Noticed hawk soaring silently overhead.
Especially aware of so many sounds along the river. You have to be quiet to hear the details and subtleties of the sounds.
River is swift with a powerful current. Walkers could see evidence of the dangers they had heard about on the news.
Thankful for all the rain that is evident in the full river and lush growth.
Walkers expressed amazement at the lovely area and view of the river from the mobile home park.
Walkers described how hard silence (not talking to each other) is.
Enjoyed the breeze and the sound of wind in trees.
Walker described having an experience a few years ago that made her aware that the breath of life flowed through her, visualizing the sun as a face that is blowing, and that breath of life is flowing into her. Today the wind reminded her of that again and she felt it.
Walkers noticed many improvements in Woodward Park, new features, benches, trails, children’s climbing area, and the wonderful artwork displayed throughout the Art of Life Healing Garden.
A walker described taking lots of pictures of nature, especially the details of leaves and rocks, to share with her boyfriend who is in jail. She said he will love seeing this.
Usually walkers are looking up and around, but today walkers ‘broke the rule’ and looked down to look out for snakes. A walker said he saw three snakes on a walk last week.
By the river, walkers saw frogs and mice. Watching ground thinking of snakes.
Walkers described this walk as physically harder that other walks.
Sally was fascinated by tree life, noticing the many version of rooting and bending. Today’s walk saw all the variety.
A Walker described this walk as a metaphor for life — wanting to stay by the river, where it’s peaceful, cool and refreshing, but knowing sometimes we’re required to walk up hill, on the gravel, in heat.”
At a distance looking across the field, all the brush looks the same, but up close she realizes there’s so much variety.
It’s too bad that we drive 60 mph by one of the most beautiful views in Fresno, of the rushing river under Hwy 41.
Today’s nature and river walk was different from most Fresno mindfulness walks that are through neighborhoods.
A walker described the details of thistles with bright purple, and had to stop and take a picture.
“This walk was a good reminder of what we have in our own backyard. My husband talks about retiring and moving away, but today I am reminded that we can take advantage of what we have right here.” FMWalker
“Interesting to see the height of the water, the construction on the bridge over the river, which gives a very different perspective.” Marilyn
To see photos of the Art of Life Healing Garden, the San Joaquin River, and Woodward Park, go to the Facebook photo album: https://www.facebook.com/pg/fresnomindfulnesswalks/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1959247317695346
or
Google photo album: https://goo.gl/photos/HhZGhJ9JsMUEaTmx5
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