PaRx Connect: It's About Slowing Down.
On this walk we'll practice slowing down. So much of our busy lives are often focused on productivity. Intentionally slowing down and engaging your senses outdoors signals safety to your nervous system, dropping cortisol levels rapidly within 20 to 30 minutes which can make you more productive.
How should people get started? Go outside, sit by a tree, focus on what you see, what you hear, what you smell. Touch the ground, touch the tree. Stay put for a little while. Repeat. You can also find a trail close to home and walk along the trail slowly, noticing details you might not see if your goal was to get your heart rate up. Slowing down tells your nervous system that you are safe and it will help you feel more relaxed. In that state, you will better benefit from what nature has to offer. https://www.uvic.ca/alumni/read-and-explore/news-and-stories/ask-an-expert/nadia-frost.php
Everyone is welcome. If you have a PaRx nature prescription and are looking for a place to "fill" that prescription, this is the place, and it's totally free.
PaRx is a nature-based health initiative that empowers licensed healthcare professionals to write "prescriptions" for their patients to spend time outdoors. Endorsed by the Canadian Medical Association, it helps connect people with nature to improve mental and physical well-being.
Walk leader and PaRx Connector: Ron Cherry
Contact: ronaldcherry002@gmail.com | 226-338-8969
About the leader:
I've been a hike leader since 2016. I'm excited to be leading now for the Grand Valley Trail Association. I live in Kitchener and have been a GVTA member for over ten years. I'm a trail captain for a section of GVTA trail near where I live. I am a certified PaRx Connector.
Disclaimer: I am not a healthcare professional, nor is this walk group therapy. As a PaRx Connector my goal is simply to provide you a connection to nature.
Where: Waterloo Park, 50 Young St. W., Waterloo, 43.466893,-80.529590, https://maps.app.goo.gl/BCW5xaYrBEWQgmpP8
Length: No set goal but will be short and easy.
Pace and Duration: Leisurely, 1 hour
Walk level: Easy. All groomed trails, some are paved.
Parking and departure: 43.466969, -80.529285, 50 Young St. W., Waterloo. Free parking on-site. Meet at 6:15 PM at the tables near the ice cream shop. Note that the street address is of the driveway entrance to the parking lot and the ice cream shop at the end of the driveway. Please use the GPS coordinates or the Google Map Link to locate the meeting point.
Directions: Please use your favourite GPS app to obtain directions.
What to wear and bring: Hiking boots are
not required. Sneakers are okay. Sunscreen. and bug repellant. Long pants preferred. Rain coat and hat. Bring at least 1L of water and a snack if you wish.
Sorry, no dogs on GVTA hikes with the exception of certified service dogs.
ALL ARE WELCOME ON OUR HIKES. Membership is encouraged as it helps to support our trails, $30 per household. To become a member please go to:
https://www.gvta.on.ca/Membership.
