While many of the clinics and classes at Outdoor Adventure X are based on physical movement through nature, spending time in the outdoors doesn’t necessarily mean doing so in a state of motion. Sometimes, the most meaningful way to be engaged in nature is to do so through journaling and meditation.
Kenya and Michelle from the Outdoor Journal Tour seek to encourage people “all over the world to tap into the healing and empowering influences within ourselves, our communities and the Great Outdoors.” At OAX, they will join us to lead a mindful journaling workshop.
Our Healing Nature: Mindful Journaling with The Outdoor Journal Tour
Unlock the keys to your soul with this mindful journaling workshop. Inspired by the lessons of the natural world, this introspective journaling experience guides you through a series of thought-provoking writing prompts. The session will conclude with a short intention setting exercise and guided meditation.
Q & A with Michelle and Kenya Jackson-Saulters / / Follow @outdoorjournaltour
The Outdoor Journal Tour was founded by Kenya and Michelle Jackson-Saulters in 2015. The Outdoor Journal Tour, is a hybrid health organization that combines outdoor activity with introspective journaling, and mindful meditation. They also create and provide multipurpose tools, training, and resources for outdoor wellness experiences. Last year, they annexed their programming arm to form a standalone nonprofit, We Hike to Heal, Inc. based on the international outdoor wellness phenomenon of the same name. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, they’ve hosted 300 events and seven annual #wehiketoheal campaigns for women. Their goal is to double their reach with their 15 Ambassadors in the next year. Kenya and Michelle also offer mindfulness consulting for outdoor industry leaders and their staff. Kenya is the author of best-selling outdoor activity companion, The Nature Meditations Deck.
Q: How were you introduced to the outdoors?
A: I was introduced to the outdoors in a pretty informal way. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio-and for most of my childhood my mom didn’t have a car. Because of that, we walked everywhere. My most vivid memories are of us walking to and from my grandmother’s house after she got off work. We walked through all four seasons together for years, and those times are still among my most treasured memories of both her-and outdoor spaces.
Q: What is your favorite way to enjoy nature?
A: Music festivals and outdoor patios are a must for me in the warmer months. I also really love relaxing on the beach and short rock climbs.
Q: Do you have a go-to trail snack or camp meal?
A: When I am on the trail, I absolutely have to have Cheezits and some sort of flavored hydration pack. What’s crazy is that I don’t eat Cheezits at any other time. For some reason the salty sweet is clutch when I am moving my body for an extended period of time.
Q: If you had to pick one don’t-leave-home-without-it piece of kit, what would it be?
A: This may be too obvious-but it’s going to my HydroFlask water bottle. Hydration is super important to me when I go out-and I like my water to be ice cold. I fill my water bottle with ice, my hydration blend and I am ready to go.
Explore Additional Outdoor Clinics + Education At OAX
Outdoor Adventure X is a mountain gear festival for the outdoor adventurer June 17-18, 2023 at Snowbasin Resort in Huntsville, Utah. OAX hosts climbing, hiking and mountain bike clinics on-mountain at Snowbasin Village. Water and paddle sports workshops, clinics and demos will take place at Pineview Reservoir, a part of Lakeside Village at OAX. Plus camping, hundreds of gear vendors, an adventure van showcase, product demos, workshops + clinics, a craft beer garden, food trucks, live music, and fireside chats with friends.
An OAX ticket or camping pass includes access to all demos, clinics, the Snowbasin gondola, and a full schedule of classroom-style education and roundtable discussions.
