Marissa Byers (she/her)

I joined ICY in 2022 after meeting Tony at a mindful hiking guide training in Eagle Creek Park. I had practiced yoga and meditation on and off throughout my life, and the practice finally stuck when I began attending what was then “Midtown Midday Mindful Movement and Meditation” on Fridays at Tarkington Park. Practicing outside with my neighbors energized me, even when I had to wake up early to get there. Tony, Katy, Dustin, and I started dreaming up ICY’s Mindful Nature Walks then as a way to connect with the natural world in refreshing, interesting ways. Practicing with this group continuously shows me a deeper, more nourishing way of relating to others and being part of an intentional community.

As an organizer of the Mindful Nature Walks program, I love co-creating space to slow down and consider our place in the more than human world. When co-leading walks, I enjoy exploring nature with all senses, learning from the creative perspectives of other practice leaders, and hearing the unique reflections of everyone walking and observing alongside us. I find that our sweetest moments come from sharing a cup of cold tea on a hot day and hot tea on cold days.