With the looming fear of coronavirus, many Houstonians are feeling the need to isolate and hunker down. But in these trying times, a quiet walk on the beach — with fellow locals — could be just what the doctor ordered.
Perfect timing, then, for a live-to-headphones SilentWalk meditative musical experience, which will take place at Galveston's East Beach on Tuesday, March 10.
SilentWalks are conducted by MindTravel, and are a concept created by composer and concert pianist Murray Hidary. During the walk, hikers wear wireless headphones to hear music, guidance, and thoughtful commentary from Hidary.
"Explore your city in a whole new way and allow yourself to be carried away by a deep feeling of freedom and connection," MindTravel says. "This music-driven experience is a new way to practice walking meditation while fostering a greater connection to the world around us, to each other, and to yourself.
After a quick introduction and intention-setting, the group will take a meditative walk, set to music, while exploring Klyde Warren Park. The music piped into their headphones — the core of a MindTravel experience — are original compositions written by Hidary. The peaceful music is meant to match the imagery in the background, resulting in a meditative or trancelike feeling.
Hidary, a Brooklyn-born composer, pianist, visual artist, tech pioneer, entrepreneur, and physics lover, created MindTravel in 2014 after finding that music helped him heal after the tragic death of his sister in a motorcycle accident. "Now, he is on a mission to share music’s healing power with others and make it the centerpiece of a multi-sensory meditative journey," the company says.
The Galveston experience is part of a 70-city MindTravel spring tour, which features events around Texas, including San Antonio on March 11, and Austin on March 12 and 15.
The Galveston hike takes place from 6:30-8:30 pm March 10. It is free, but registration is required here.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and take appropriate precautions for the weather. MindTravel will provide the headphones.
