A Whakatāne woman is encouraging people to put down their phones, quiet their minds and reconnect with nature through guided silent walks.

Amorah Rose said the idea came after she co-ran a “resonance and remembrance” retreat at Lake Ōkataina, where participants experienced periods of silence and responded positively to the practice.

“It’s something we don’t typically practise,” she said.

“When we go silent, especially in nature, we get to feel being in the environment and connecting to the Earth on a much deeper level.”

The walk will take place on Fairbrother Loop Walk, which is a short bush walk chosen for its peaceful setting and convenient location close to cafés for social connection afterwards.

The experience is designed to help people step away from “auto pilot” and become more present.

Amorah Rose plans to begin the walk with a simple meditation technique to help participants focus and engage with their surroundings.

She said she had been surprised by the level of interest shown in the event and hoped it might lead to future silent walks in other parts of the country.

“It’s just an opportunity for people to have an experience,” she said.

She doesn’t know how long the walk will take because she believes that when you go silent, you tend to slow down and take in more of your surroundings.

The walk starts at 10am on Sunday at Fairbrother Loop Walk, at the base of the Ōhope Hill.