Branch Out Event: Mindful Birding for Joyful Connection

Name: Branch Out Event: Mindful Birding for Joyful Connection
Start: 2025-04-06T09:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-04-06T12:00:00-04:00
Location: Smokemont Campground

Schedule

Sun Apr 06 2025 at 09:00 am to 12:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Smokemont Campground | Cherokee, NC

Join us for a peaceful morning of mindful nature connection as we watch and enjoy the beautiful birds of Southern Appalachia. The class will start with a brief introduction to mindfulness as you learn to tune in to your senses and cultivate internal and external awareness.
We will then explore several activities to focus our curious attention on the abundant and varied life all around us—especially the birdlife! These activities may include practicing a “birding sit-spot,” deep listening to birdsong, mindful movement, and offering gratitude and kindness to birds and other living beings.
While we will use binoculars to find and identify birds, identification will not be the focus of this class. Unlike a traditional “bird walk,” the goal is not to see and identify as many birds as possible but rather to connect with and deeply appreciate each individual bird we encounter in a mindful way.
By moving slowly and cultivating our sense of awareness and wonder, we’ll find ourselves nourished, restored, and amazed by the living world. No experience in mindfulness or birding is necessary. Beginners are most welcome!