A while ago Art Director Gayle Hendricks (who teaches graphic design at Northampton Community College) asked me if I wanted to join her for a poetry walk.
All are welcome to enjoy a unique experience blending nature, poetry, and mindfulness at the Bethlehem campus’ beautiful acreage, the East 40.
Join 2024 East 40 artist-in-residence Anne Sipos and certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide Charles Thomas for a guided mindfulness walk through the East 40, with an introduction to Anne’s “Poetry Rocks!” interactive poetry installation. This event will be held on Saturday, May 10 (raindate info, below) from 12:45-3 p.m. Gather at the far east side of parking lot B, at the East 40 flutter flag (map at ncceast40.org/maps).
In addition to the mindfulness walk and Anne’s poetry, you’ll enjoy an opportunity to explore the East 40 independently, taking time to reflect and engage with your surroundings. We’ll also offer a creative sharing session, where you’ll have the option to contribute your word on a rock, or simply share your thoughts in whatever way feels right
Please bring a small notebook or journal and writing utensil (we’ll have extras) and a blanket or seat cushion if you’d like to sit during reflection.
East 40 at Northampton Community Garden is a lovely eden along the edge of campus– a haven of nature in the middle of fields of suburban sprawl. I had no idea one could escape into the woods without leaving the college.
Poetry Rocks is the latest installation on the Poetry Walk. This particular poetry project is the work of Anne Sipos, who crafted a poem about the East 40 woods and garden, transferred that poem one word at a time onto rocks, and stowed the rocks in a rotted tree trunk beside a wooden table so those who pass through could craft their own rocks, magnetic poetry style.
For more:
Parisian Phoenix Publishing 
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