Due to extreme cold and icy trail conditions, this program has been cancelled.

Need some respite from the fray of life? Could you use a bit more connection with the natural world during this dark and busy time of year? Join us for the 4th annual Winter Solstice Mindfulness Walk. On Thursday, December 19, from 5:30 – 7 pm, come outdoors for an enchanting evening to quietly celebrate the winter solstice at Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge in Hadley. Dr. Robert A. Jonas—founder and director of The Empty Bell (a contemplative sanctuary in Northampton), shakuhachi flutist, and former Kestrel board chair—will lead a meditative woods walk as the longest night of the year approaches.

Solstice means “sun stands still,” so this evening, we will pause to enjoy the stillness of this seasonal turning point, the stillness of the natural world, and our own inner stillness through the practice of mindfulness.

We’ll begin with a brief introduction to mindfulness and reflection on the solstice, then we’ll share a silent walk along the Fort River Trail. This 1.1-mile universally accessible loop meanders through 260 acres of diverse habitat and includes eight elevated boardwalks and seven scenic viewing decks with benches. We’ll conclude with hot apple cider and cookies at the gazebo, and some recorded shakuhachi flute music by Dr. Jonas.

This event is co-sponsored by the Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge.

“In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.” – William Blake