Learning Outcomes:
- Participants will reflect on their environment, observing natural and human impacts through the lens of sustainability;
Duration:
20 minutes
Materials needed:
- Optional: Journal/Device for the participants to write down their reflections
Preparation
Materials needed: none required. Participants should bring their own note taking materials if they wish to journal afterward.
Setup: identify an appropriate space for the walk, ideally an outdoor location where participants can observe natural surroundings and human impact. If held indoors, choose a space with visibility to nature or sustainability features (e.g., recycling stations, energy-saving measures).
Technology: for online sessions, participants can be instructed to take a mindful walk in their own surroundings, then return to the group for discussion.
Description
This activity offers participants a reflective break during which they observe their environment through a sustainability lens. They take a slow, mindful walk, paying attention to natural elements, signs of human impact, and sustainability efforts in the space around them. Afterward, participants gather for a debrief to discuss what they observed. This activity encourages relaxation while connecting participants to sustainability concepts.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Introduce the purpose of the walk: to reflect on how sustainability (or lack of it) is present in the environment.
- Give participants a few prompts, such as: “What natural resources do you see being used?”, “How are humans impacting this space?”, or “What evidence of sustainability efforts do you notice?”
- Allow participants to walk quietly for 10-15 minutes, observing their surroundings.
- After the walk, gather the group and ask participants to share their reflections. If time permits, allow them to journal briefly before sharing.
Conclude the activity by linking the observations back to the themes of sustainability and personal responsibility.
Debriefing
Participants share their reflections after the walk, discussing how their observations relate to sustainability. The discussion helps reinforce connections between the environment and the sustainability principles covered in the session.
Tips
Create a calm, reflective atmosphere, encouraging participants to slow down and observe their surroundings carefully.
If time allows, encourage participants to journal briefly before the debriefing session.
For online sessions, ensure that participants know to take their walks in a safe, accessible area, and guide them on how to reflect on their surroundings.
Handouts and resources
None.
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