IN A SILENT WAY

NON VERBAL HIKING

There's almost nothing better than to take a long talk-filled walk to enhance relationship, not just familial or social, but also on team-building hikes, when walking a countryside trail can cue the emergence of useful ideas.

Usually, along the hiking trail, a moment comes when a lapse into group silence occurs. Elemental awe, the extended time and space, and the rhythm prompts thoughts to ebb and flow.

But when it's something more personal you are mainly after, or creative contemplation, or healing, then the chat one often feels is polite to have, can get in the way.

So then, why not agree among those you hike with to do so in silence.

HOW SILENT?

Before hand agree to minimize routine human-to-human communication along the way.

You could allow for a bit of early chat, having agreed to fall silent once you've reached a certain spot.

Once in silence acknowledge each others' presence, but give social niceties a rest. This allows the chance for you to tune into whatever other presences there are.

There may be moments on trail when it is useful or necessary to communicate, like pointing out a loose rock. Propose one or two gestures before starting which might stand in for likely interactions that would ordinarily be dealt with in a word or so. Small groups who're well-acquainted could just improvise.

Where to silent hike.

Trails with long steep ascents may not be best. Also pre-hike, discuss speed and intensity you'd prefer to go.

Take it easy

A silent walk could be a chance to lessen the usual physical intensity, and go at something of a more contemplative pace.

Remember that it's only really once on trail that one can feel-out the group pace. It usually happens organically.

Perhaps slip into a shinrin yoku style activity enroute.

Try the 'lost art' of obligate nasal breathing.

Remember though, everyone should stick together unless forced to split up by serious necessity. Rather walk slower than at a pace not everyone can keep up with.

I'd be happy to help prepare and guide you on your silent walk.