Silent walk - exploring the spirit of place (Genius loci)

Subtitle / abstract Stimulating individual question formulation
Domain of activity
  • Education
Objective of the tool/method Silent observation is a method that helps to get to know the spirit of the place. The aim of the silent walk is to make our senses open and receptive to the nature that surrounds us. The aim is that each participant of the silent walk himself/herself perceives in a state of modified conscious or mindfulness the natural or artificial elements around him and realizes sensitively some natural processes. The leader/trainer/teacher of the group just shows the way and gives some ‘instructions’ (during the walk do not talk, observe as much as you can, etc.) but never calls attention to certain things. (E.g. natural connections of natural and artificial elements in the farm where the group walks, etc.)
Description of the tool Practical structure of the silent walk: Section 1: With guidance (teacher/trainer)-the group walks in silence (no one talks to each other, do not call attention to interesting things, do not divert attention, do not talk about irrelevant topics, etc.), during about one hour. Everyone observes everything, keeps in mind his/her own questions and comments that in the future he/she will be able to ask. There are no special instruction telling how to open all the senses, there is no preparatory exercise for it. Participants slowly realize they become more sensitive naturally to the environment that surrounds them. Section 2: The group -after a short rest- walk back to the original starting point on the same path. Now, the group members have the opportunity to talk and address questions to the leader of the group. E.g.: Is there economic importance of the fish pond, or is it used only for recreational purposes? Why the millet is not yet harvested? What kind of pumpkin the farmer grows, and why did he choose this type? Etc. The leader/trainer/teacher answers to the questions, but it is even better if you only facilitate the discussion, so the participants of the walk discuss among themselves and to try to find the answer together. Section 3: Group members together discuss how they felt during the silent walk. How did they feel that they were not allowed to raise questions? What did they find good in the silent walk? What was bad or even frustrating part of the walk? (this section can happen in classroom) Section 4: Everyone draws down into a paper what they like the best in the silent walk. It can be a flower or a feeling or simply a cavalcade of colour (eg. In case of autumn walk the colours of fallen leaves), or even a human-built structures (eg. stable, bridge). Let's see the drawings together! (this section can happen in classroom)
More information Principles of action: What is Genius Loci? Genius loci (Latin) is the spirit of place that is also very important in agroecology as with the knowing of the characteristics (tangible and non-tangible environment, biodiversity, soil properties, etc.) of the place, we better understand the relationship between humans and nature and also we are able to better make use of the opportunities the nature provide us. According to Servius, “Nullus Locus Sine Genio”: there is no place without its own spirit (Commentary on the Aeneid, 5, 95). Places are like people: they feature a physical, tangible, material side and a spiritual, intimate side. We recognize a place by how it appears to our sight and we love it for the feelings that it gives us, for its Genius. The Genius Loci is not found in books or in classrooms, in conferences, in web sites or via social media, but everyone identifies it and establish with it a personal emotional relationship - the unique kind of connection that can relate us with a Spirit by getting close to the place, trying to be discreet while making room inside us, opening ourselves up for listening, to perceive its personality and character. (See more in: http://www.scuolafattoria.it/diario-articolo.php?id=89)
Succes factor (Recommendations) The silent walk and the evaluation of the walk consume significant amount of time, do not forget about it when planning the exercise. The silent walk is based on the method of Ruskin Mill College (http://thefieldcentre.org.uk/) where trainers frequently apply this method. According to our experiences (we, teachers and trainers were the participants) the one way silent walk took about 1,5 hours, whilst on the way back the walk was even longer as we stopped in different sites, talked and asked questions. It took about 2 hours. Of course the required time highly depends on the area you wish to explore. You do not need to maximize the number of participants. What you need is weather-appropriate clothes, paper (big sized papers) coloured crayons and coloured pens.
Challenges (Limits and difficulties encountered) If some participants speak during the walk, you have to warn them not to talk. If the group is very sensitive and creative you can walk together in unknown territories (and you discuss together the questions that may arise during the silent walk) but if the participant are inactive or simply shy, it is recommended to walk through the territory you know very well in order to be able to answer the questions or explain certain details that reveal more sensitive or even problematic issues (e.g. why the field is very weedy? Is it a mistake of the farmer? What could be/could have been the solution against this massive weed manifestation?) The silent walk is a perfect method not only for opening your senses but to get to know the group members and their mind-set, that will help your future work with them.
Contact Apolka Ujj
Contact email ujj.apolka@mkk.szie.hu
Address Szent István University 2100
Town 2100
Website http://www.szie.hu
Author of the index card Apolka Ujj
Author structure Szent István University
Author email ujj.apolka@mkk.szie.hu