How much does it cost?
This walk is free. We gather at the Laguna de Santa Rosa trailhead. I will have a handout and something to think about during the walk. Then we walk together. This walk is about finding inspiration in nature, bringing awareness to your body, and building community.
Can I Be a Sunrise Walker at Home or Anywhere in the World?
You can join us from your home or from anywhere in the world. There will be a handout posted on the Sunrise Walkers website each day for each of the five walks. Each handout will have an inspirational poem, something about the season, and different ways to bring awareness to your body and your walk. The handouts are there to support your Sunrise Walk.
Where Can I Find These Handouts Online?
Handouts for the seasonal walks will be available each day on this website. From the main navigation “Sunrise Walks”, click on the menu item for the seasonal walk you are doing. Downloadable PDFs will be at the bottom of that page for every day of that walk. Enjoy these handouts.
How Do I Get Out of a Warm Bed Before Sunrise?
If you can get past the urge to stay in bed, I promise you, the morning is glorious, and the transition of dawn, between night and day, can change your mind, your heart and your body. I know it is difficult getting out of bed, out of the house and to the path before sunrise. I have struggled with this daily, especially in winter when it is very cold, or summer when the sun rises extremely early. But everything that is worth something does cost something. And any pilgrimage you choose or walk, will ask something of your body and your inner being. There will be some sense of wanting to pull the covers over your head and go back to sleep. But don’t do it! Just get up! I would suggest coming for one day. Try it out. The struggle is real, but the gifts are amazing. People have reported bursts of energy, inspiration, and freshness to the day.
Do I Have to Come Every Day?
You do not have to come every day. I have seen people come for just one time and get a lot from the walk. Others tried to come every day, but the car, the alarm, and other things got in the way. So they tried to come most days. I know one person who got to the walk 20 minutes late, started walking, and ran into to us as we were returning. The inner pilgrimage was in her. She still did the walk, just a little later.
Can I Do This Early Morning Walk at Home?
Yes, you can do this at home. The point is to get out in nature, let the sun meet your eyes and body, and walk with an intention. If there is a little garden, or driveway that you like to walk along, then please use that setting. If at a time in the future you can join us, please do so. You are also welcome to send us your sunrise photos or inspirations from your early morning walk. You can be a Sunrise Walker in your own home.
Can I Be a Runner on a Sunrise Walk?
Yes, you can be a runner and be a Sunrise Walker. We had people from our last walk that ran the trail every day. We all started together and we ended together. But they like to run in the morning before sunrise. So that way of moving worked for them.
What is the Pace of the Group?
You can set your own pace. As a group there are many different speeds of what I call the “sweet spot” of walking. Some people have a faster pace than others. What seems to happen is that people form into groups of two or three and they walk together. The mini-groups form their own “sweet spot.” Sometimes the formations change on the way back.
I also recommend spending some time walking on your own. The walk usually takes about 45 minutes.
Why Do This in a Group?
I think the benefits multiply with this walk in a group. I have walked the path by myself and as a group. There is a group mind, or something like that, which supports your internal path when you walk. I highly recommend walking with a group if you can. Your path is respected.
I Can’t Walk That Far, What Can I Do?
Please remember that you can practice at home, get the handouts, and walk through the five Sunrise Walks throughout the year. It might be best to practice at home if walking for 45 minutes seems like too much at this time. You can slowly build up your strength and soon you will be able to join us.
Can I Do This Morning Walk in Another City, State or Country?
Yes, you can do the Sunrise Walk anywhere in the world. The handouts will be available to anyone who subscribes to my newsletter. Just enter your name in the field below “Subscribe to Our Newsletter” (look on the right-hand side of this page) and you will receive timely emails with the handouts before each walk. You can find your own safe place in nature where you would like to walk at sunrise. Wear comfortable clothing. We would love to hear from you. Contact us here to submit your photos, poems, and other things from your walk.