Summer sunlight dapples through the mature Lambton Woods canopy and dances on the Humber River.
It looks, and sounds, like Muskoka. Birdsong flies on the breeze which whispers through the trees. The river babbles and cicadas buzz.
Then mechanical noises from maintenance equipment at Lambton Golf and Country Club make real where the setting is — in fact, James Gardens, a former estate and public botanical garden in central Etobicoke.
This Tuesday morning, Anne Pietropaolo, seniors’ program co-ordinator with Humber Valley United Church, leads a guided meditation walking group. The nine women walk 30 minutes in silence through the park’s paths.
She begins by asking walkers to reflect on her reading of Psalm 98, which includes the lines, “Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy, let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth …”
“Be present. Tune into your senses, particularly your sense of hearing; in nature, particularly song,” Pietropaolo tells them. “As you’re walking, you may want to pay attention to what you hear and see, and we’ll share at the end.”
They pass tall wild grasses, majestic trees, the leaf-strewn forest floor, and cyclists, who signal their presence with bells, and respect the city’s maximum 20 kilometres per hour cycling signs.
Lynn Manning takes a moment by the Humber River during the Humber Valley United Church’s weekly walking meditation group at James Gardens.
Lynn Manning takes a moment by the Humber River during the Humber Valley United Church’s weekly walking meditation group at James Gardens. Dan Pearce/Metroland
Lynn Manning heads to the river through a break in the trees. Duck quacking and the river’s rush fill the air.
“I kept thinking, ‘make a joyful noise,’ ” Manning said afterward in the shaded gazebo near colourful flower gardens.
The Humber Valley United Church members’ relationships “really deepened” through the weekly meditation walks, Manning said.
Like most, April Grieco joined the group when it launched last summer.
“I tried to record some sounds, and take some pictures,” she said. “I love the changing of the seasons. It’s very special. … You know you’re going to be in the group of people you’ve been walking with for months. … It’s been a breath of fresh air.”
Ruth Johnson, right, and Marnie Bradshaw make their way along the path during the Humber Valley United Church’s weekly walking meditation group at James Gardens.
Ruth Johnson, right, and Marnie Bradshaw make their way along the path during the Humber Valley United Church’s weekly walking meditation group at James Gardens. Dan Pearce/Metroland
Pietropaolo’s weekly meditation walk is but one of more than 30 still mostly virtual programs she leads for approximately 400 people aged 55+. All are free.
About half are members of Humber Valley United Church; the remainder are participants’ friends and family, and people from across Canada, the U.S., even overseas, who’ve heard about it.
Last summer, Pietropaolo added the weekly meditation walk, a monthly nature walk, and a weekly five-kilometre marathon training group at West Deane Park.
“People enjoy walking with others in local parks,” she said. “People aren’t always comfortable going for a walk alone, but in a little group, people feel more safe and secure. It’s also good for mental health.”
Register for any of the church’s 55+ programs on its website at hvuc.ca or email anne@hvuc.ca
Beryl Finlay, left, Judy Smith and Ruth Johnson have a laugh after completing the Humber Valley United Church’s weekly walking meditation group at James Gardens.
Beryl Finlay, left, Judy Smith and Ruth Johnson have a laugh after completing the James Gardens walk. Dan Pearce/Metroland
Four federal New Horizons for Seniors’ grants, and a United Church of Canada grant have “really allowed us to try different programs, and see what people want,” Pietropaolo said. “Fitness, yoga, and the seated dance program are all very popular. The memoir-writing program really took off. It’s evolved into a creative-writing group.”
Pietropaolo runs 15 programs a week.
“It’s been good in the sense it’s allowed us a whole new way of reaching people,” she said. “I was very impressed by people’s willingness to learn something new and by their resilience. Seniors, like everyone, have had to adapt to learn new ways to socialize.”
Ruth Johnson began participating in one or two virtual programs a day after her husband died right before the pandemic. She also enjoys the weekly meditation walk.
“It has made me so happy and busy in my life,” Johnson said. “It really is unbelievable. People who don’t participate in it are really losing out. I think Anne dropped from heaven. Through the pandemic, I can’t think of anything better to do.”
STORY BEHIND THE STORY: Reporter Tamara Shephard wanted to learn about Humber Valley United Church’s expanded 55+ virtual programs to include some in-person and outdoor activities two years after the program’s launch.