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Mindful Walk & Talk for Changemakers: Slow Down to Move Forward

A Mindful Walk & Talk for Changemakers

Slow Down to Move Forward

However big and exciting our visions, building towards them can sometimes be exhausting, frustrating and lonely.

And over the past few years we’ve found that spending time in nature and creating the space for reflection, mindfulness and connection can make a world of difference to our mental health, our ability to problem solve, and to see the bigger picture.

That’s why we want to bring together a small group of changemakers who are actively building projects and/or businesses aimed at creating a positive social impact to go for a refreshing and inspiring hike on 14th April, 2024.

The walk will include time for guided reflection and a short “walking meditation”, as well as plenty of time to share and discuss the questions and challenges you are working on with others.

Join us to step away from the hustle and bustle, immerse yourself in nature, and connect with yourself and fellow innovators who share your passion for making a difference.

Date & Time: 14th April 2024 @ 11:00

Location: Kamakura area, Kanagawa (Specific details will be provided in advance of the event)

Length: Approx 8km, up and down (see provisional route here)

Duration: Approximately 3-3.5 hours including packed lunch

What will this event offer?

  • Connect with like-minded Changemakers: This walk is a gathering of ~10 individuals who are building meaningful projects. It's a chance to connect with others who understand the challenges and joys of creating social impact.

  • Share and Learn: The walk is designed to foster open discussions about your experiences, struggles, and successes in your respective projects. Share your story, listen to others, and exchange valuable resources and insights that could help propel your projects forward.

  • Reflect and Recharge: In the serene setting of our carefully chosen walking path, you’ll find space to reflect on your journey, gain new perspectives, and recharge your motivation for the impactful work you do.


Event Highlights

  • Guided Reflections: Led by experienced facilitators from the Social Innovation Japan team, the walk will include guided reflections designed to help you think deeply about your project and personal growth.

  • Connecting in Nature: Allow the tranquillity of nature to deepen your ability to reflect, experience connection, and enjoy meaningful conversations.

  • Actionable Insights: Leave the event with actionable insights, fresh ideas, and feel refreshed with a renewed energy to tackle the challenges of your project or business.

Who is this for?

  • Entrepreneurs, innovators, and anyone who is in the process of building a project or business that aims to address social or environmental issues and create a positive impact on the world. 

  • Whether you’re in the early stages or midway through your project, we hope you’ll find value in the shared experiences and collective wisdom of the group.

  • This can include building new companies, nonprofit organisations, campaigns, projects or even projects within existing companies or institutions (i.e. social intrapreneurs)

Participation Fee

Free!
However, depending on the route you may need to pay a temple entrance fee in cash (e.g. 500 JPY or so). Also, as this is a pilot, we would appreciate your feedback after the event to help us better support our community and its needs following the walk.

Registration

We are limiting slots to 10 participants to ensure a personal and impactful experience, and are keeping this pilot invite-only. Register using the link below to secure your spot.

Things to Bring

  1. Packed Lunch (we plan to eat at a nice view point on the route)

  2. Waterproof Jacket or Poncho (if the forecast includes rain)

  3. Sun Protection: Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen etc

  4. Layered Clothing: We recommend a mix of light and warm layers that can be easily added or removed to adjust to changing temperatures (there will be some uphill sections)

  5. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers with a good grip, suitable for walking on uneven and potentially muddy paths.

  6. Water Bottle and enough water for a 3-3.5 hour walk (inc breaks!)!

  7. A lightweight backpack to carry your water, snacks, and any extra clothing.

  8. Cash (e.g. to pay the temple fee of 500 JPY))

Optional:

  1. Something to sit on when resting / for lunch (we will have a tarp to sit on but feel free to bring something more comfortable…!)

  2. Notebook and Pen: For jotting down thoughts, reflections, or inspirations

  3. Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, fruit etc

  4. Small Towel or Handkerchief

  5. Umbrella: Compact and lightweight, in case of light rain (optional if wearing a waterproof jacket)

  6. Portable mobile charger

  7. Walking poles (if you find them helpful)

Questions

  1. Can I bring a friend?
    If you would like to invite a friend and you feel they are the kind of person described in “Who is this for?” above, please feel free to share this link with them and ask them to register! We ask, however, that you refrain from sharing widely for now.

  2. How strenuous is the hike?
    We are currently planning to take this 8km route from Kenchoji to Zuisenji. It is a moderate hike overall, but it starts with approx 250 steep steps straight up the back of Kenchoji which requires a certain level of fitness and will certainly get your heart racing and raise your body temperature! You will probably know best if you can manage a hike like this, but if you’re unsure please feel free to reach out.

  3. What if the weather is forecast to rain?
    We’ll message by 07:00 (latest) on the morning of the walk if it looks like it will be too rainy to proceed. We will likely go ahead if there is only a slight chance of rain (taking waterproofs etc) but will cancel if it looks as though the route may be dangerous because of the weather. 

  4. Are children welcome?
    We would love to make this hike open to children and families, and we would also like to prioritise our participants’ ability to reflect and connect. As such, in addition to your child(ren)’s ability to join a moderate hike, we would ask for you to consider whether (if at all) their presence could impact (positively or negatively!) your and others’ ability to make the most of the gathering and use that to decide whether or not they join. Thank you for your consideration!

Anything else? Please feel free to reach out to us :)

Join us for a day of connection, reflection, and inspiration. Let’s take a step back to move forward together stronger. We can’t wait to walk with you and hear your story!

We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an uplifting and transformative experience.

Disclaimer: Please note that we will be taking photos at this event and we reserve the right to use these in our promotional materials. If you would prefer not to appear in photos/videos, please inform a Social Innovation Japan team member on the day. Social Innovation Japan and the organising team are not liable for any injuries, deaths, accidents, loss of property or damages incurred during any of our events.