Forest Bathing Walk

Name: Forest Bathing Walk
Start: 2026-03-14T12:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-03-14T15:00:00-05:00

Soul Trekkers

Forest Bathing Walk in Jefferson Barracks Park

A Meditative Walk Through the Woods

Presented by Colleen Baum

March 14 @ 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Contemplative Outreach “Soul Trekkers” invite you on a meditative walk through the woods.

“Wild places draw us out of ourselves and into deeper awareness.”

— Belden C. Lane

🌿 Soul Trekkers Nature Walk — Jefferson Barracks Park – Black Hawk Shelter – Meet in Parking Area
Join us for a gentle contemplative walk through the wooded areas of Jefferson Barracks Park. Together we will slow down, listen deeply to the rhythms of nature, and allow the beauty of the trees, sky, and changing season to invite us into quiet awareness of God’s presence.

We will be walking along uneven forest floor paths, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Our pace will be slow and attentive, allowing time to notice the quiet beauty and subtle movements of the natural world.
These walks offer a simple space for silence, reflection, and shared presence as we explore the natural world with attentive hearts.

Colleen Baum will serve as our Nature Guide, sharing her wisdom as an ISA Certified Arborist with more than 20 years of experience and owner of Droege Tree Care in St. Louis. This marks the third year Colleen has led our Soul Trekkers walks, and she is deeply respected for the knowledge and insight she brings — helping us notice the beauty of the woods and listen to what creation quietly conveys to us.
Colleen will also offer reflections along the way, while honoring our shared silence and contemplative experience.

While also listening to the wisdom of the forest in stillness, we will have the opportunity to be guided and participate in a centering prayer meditation (or meditation of your choice).

All are welcome — whether you come for silence, reflection, or simply the joy of walking together in nature.

Just as We…the Trees…
Respond to trauma
Change as we do as needed
Let go when they are powerless
Set boundaries after wounding
Turn toward their inner-selves to quiet
Live and Let Live with love
May the Forest Be with Us

12:30 PM — Gathering, welcome, and introduction by Colleen Baum
1:00 PM — Walk begins promptly
3:00 PM — Walk concludes

the path of the forest, walk, long shadow, early spring, in the morning, dark, tribe, morning, gęstwina, from, trees, march, black forest, tree trunks, bare trees, colorless

Location

📍New Shelter Location (as of March 8th)
Jefferson Barracks Park — Black Hawk Shelter – Parking Area

Enter Jefferson Barracks Park from Telegraph Road. After entering the park, follow the main park road and watch for signs directing you toward Black Hawk Shelter. Parking lot (and Rest Rooms) nearby where we will meet.
(GPS tip: search “Black Hawk Shelter Jefferson Barracks Park.”)

We look forward to sharing this time in nature together.

Registration required – please scroll to the end. Space is limited to 25 attendees.

For any questions please email: susiebrentcostl@gmail.com

A reminder email with the confirmed meeting location will be sent to all registered participants before the event.

What to Bring:

Open heart and attentive spirit
Sturdy walking shoes (very uneven forest floor surfaces)
Walking stick (optional but helpful)
Plastic grocery bag
Billed hat to block sun while looking up
Dress appropriately – forecast predicts highs in upper 50’s to low 60’s
Be prepared before the walk by being well fed and hydrated
Bring water / hydration for the walk
Bug repellent if it makes you feel comfortable to use

A little history on the formation of the Soul Trekkers

In 2022 following a 7 day silent retreat in Snowmass, CO at St. Benedict’s Monastery, Jennifer Beeman, Heather Fricke and Susie Brent gathered with Jenny Adamson and Pat Johnson to discuss potential avenues for sharing the methods of centering prayer with the next generation. It was suggested to combine centering prayer with an activity such as yoga or art.

It was agreed upon that contemplative prayer may enhance and be enhanced by any activity that lends itself to a stillness in mind and heart, a joy within, and being truly present in each moment. The divine dwelling within can be communed with while hiking beneath the trees, free flowing with a favorite melody, exploring and creating in a favorite artistic medium, within the deep breath taken while settling into a yoga pose, energy breath work, or while listening to the draw of classical piano music. These are just some avenues to become more comfortable with simply being.

It is the Soul Trekkers intent to investigate the many branches of the Tree of Contemplative Practices combined with guided Centering Prayer meditation sessions to inspire exploration, joy, and connection in a fellowship of contemplative travelers. While centering prayer guidelines will be offered, any and all meditation disciplines are welcome. The goal is to embrace stillness and foster a relationship with the God within each of us and our true authentic selves. Come share in the beautiful intimacy that stillness in community has to offer.

Image by Carrie Bergman

“As we walk together, we allow the landscape itself to guide our attention and deepen our listening.

…The place itself becomes the teacher.”