Following on from the last Mindfulness Walk in collaboration with Get2gether, we chose Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens as the ideal location for our Walk in September 2022.

This fabulous place is very popular for locals and tourists alike, and has so much space to walk around in, with plenty of benches for the weary traveller too.

The massive greenhouses that hold hundreds of species of plants from around the world were closed for maintenance when we visited, yet we found that everything around us in nature was plentiful and free. Some fortunate couples choose this location to get married at, and it is plainly obvious that there are few spots on the planet that can match the backdrop here.

On many of the plants, trees and shrubs, there is a plaque or sign which gives more information on the species. I have included a couple here that we found early in our walk.

The gardens were quite busy for a Wednesday afternoon, however there is so much space here for everyone that we were always able to find a path that was empty or a few benches together, where we could rest and I would guide our group through short mindfulness exercises.

Plenty of space here for everyone, our group included.

A certain stillness comes about when you close your eyes and focus on your breathing. It is like, time stops and all your awareness is on your breathing. So relaxing and safe, knowing that Steve and Clare are watching over our surroundings.

After 90 minutes of Mindfulness, we were all so relaxed and it was time to depart. For the final exercise we entered an area that was tucked away, behind large hedges, and there were fruit trees and shrubs everywhere. Thankfully Clare had spotted a wee Cottage next to the orchard, where coffee and cakes were on offer.

Thanks to Clare and everyone at Get2gether for helping to make this happen, and importantly to everyone who joined in.

A special mention. For a bit of fun, and insitigated by my daughter, she said that she saw a Monkey, in a Monkey Puzzle tree, and it jumped into the overgrowth beside it! She says that she got a picture of it too – can you see it, or is she playing tricks on me! It was her first outing with Get2gether and it certainly won’t be her last, but I will be keeping the camera from now on!

Thank you

Steve