Nature's Accessibility

Thoughts about Leading a Walk When Accessibility is Key

Accessibility can mean many different things, whether it’s disorientation in an unfamiliar environment, sensory or cognitive overload, or the natural awarenesses like tree roots, poison ivy, or wildlife. Often, it’s the simplest definition: I want to go ‘there’ and it’s just not accessible to me. That’s what I want to focus on in this writing.

Sand, gravel, even a dirt path can make for difficult, if not impossible, travel for someone using a wheelchair or motorized means of transportation; anyone with ambulatory challenges. Grass isn’t the worst offender and sometimes, the path between the gravel and grass is lined with something that has to be traversed over. I remember a walk for a library and one of the participants was in a wheelchair. No one told me so I had lots of invitations planned on grass. Fortunately, the other participants recognized the challenge and actually lifted the chair over the metal border so we could all proceed together on the grass.

This past weekend, I led a walk knowing that two of my participants needed the kind of accessibility that only a paved path would provide. I have access to a paved loop, that I worried wouldn’t include the river or the spot where I usual hold the tea ceremony. Some scouting was needed to find new places other than those that I usually depend on.

I walked the loop, then I walked it again. I walked it at the same time as my walk would be held to notice shady spots, especially shady spots with benches. I began to remember invitations that I hadn’t used in years that would be perfect for all my participants, and inclusive for those who I suspected wouldn’t be “wandering off” in search of something, at least not on the grass, or too far away.

As I wrote out my walk (I always do this), I was conscious of my language. Even here, in this article, I’m calling it a ‘walk’, and for most it was; for some, it wasn’t really.

How do I verbally give direction in place of the words ‘walk’ or ‘wander’? Not so hard, as it turned out. I gave direction in my orientation to give me a funny look if I used words that weren’t inclusive. It broke the ice and everyone laughed having full permission to look at me funny.

• As we move on …

• As we continue …

• You’re welcome to get closer to …

• As we approach …

• Heading towards …

Once we began, I didn’t even think about it. It was easier to choose other words for walking than it was when I led some college students and one was unable to see. See, look, notice was much more challenging for me, and again, I had no idea, so no time to really consider how to be more inclusive.

And, here’s the thing, it turned out that my one participant in a wheelchair, chose to get up and move towards a tree she loved, and get up again later to search for some hidden treasures, another invitation, surprising me, because (another big surprise) not all people who use that kind of accessible means of travel, are unable to walk. Yes, she had someone with her to lean on and she was so eager to get up and explore a bit. So, the idea that she couldn’t walk was completely made up by me! I never asked, nor would I in front of others. I might have asked when first emailed about forest bathing that would be accessible. I didn’t.

And I loved how many trees and plants were close to the paved paths! Scent, textures, colors, sounds were accessible to everyone. Focusing on those made it easier to open our senses right there on the path. In fact, even as we began, there was a rustling in the Cherry Laurel bush nearby. A chipmunk was greedily snatching all the ripe berries that were left on the bush. We saw it up close and had a laugh at its efforts before it spotted us and darted away.

I also had others coming on the walk who did not have any mobility concerns. So, how would this forest bathing on a paved path work for them?

I believe being upfront about everything during the orientation invited them to accept an invitation in their own way just as those with mobility issues had full permission to accept an invitation in their own way. One forest bather spent most of his time on the grass and yet, was comfortable on the paved path. Another forest bather did the same, sometimes on the path, sometimes off the path. Permission was everywhere to be exactly who you were and let your heart lead you. I held space for that, as any guide would.

I found a bench in the shade and brought my little portable table with me, which I set up on the path itself, leaving plenty of room for non-forest bathers to pass by. We had our tea ceremony there. As we headed back out, I used one of my favorite invitations, 4 Beings/4 Blessings as a way to stay in liminal space until we arrived at the visitor center.

This turned out to be a forest bathing that I could do again for anyone and will certainly do again as an accessibility event.

Things to consider:

• Uneven ground, slopes, even on paved paths

• Paths that may be paved and yet, are too narrow for mobility devices

• Bridges without railings or open slats

• Natural barriers that don’t allow for mobility devices, which usually means doing a scouting out of your trail a day or two before.

• Thoughts for the companion who might pushing someone in a wheelchair, physical, cognitive overwhelm being a caregiver and a participant.

Photo: Linda Lombardo

I’ve barely done this article justice, I think.

I’m a beginner, a learner, so much is new guiding for accessibility. I probably leaned into the accessibility more than the enjoyment of the experience, and my participant certainly reminded me that her experience was her number one focus! I’ll remember that next time, and also remember that every experience will be different.

With love, light and awe,

Linda