On Sunday morning, October 18, at Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middlefield, Connecticut, members and friends of Buddhist Faith Fellowship gathered for our annual Autumn Waterfall Meditation, surrounded by the extraordinary beauty of New England in fall. Clear blue skies, dry conditions, cool, crisp air, and trees ablaze with autumn color made for an ideal morning of outdoor meditation practice.
Sitting quietly before the waterfall, we allowed the steady rush of water to become part of our meditation, its continuous flow inviting us to settle into the present moment. Together, we completed two rounds of quiet sitting meditation and practiced mindful walking through the woodland, allowing ourselves to slow down and become fully present to the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the natural world.
The experience touched each participant in different ways. One shared, “I felt so much peace.” Another reflected, “I could sense the subtle interconnectedness between the waterfall, the sound, the energized air, the trees and the people. It was amazing.” These reflections remind us that when we become quiet and attentive, we can begin to experience our place within the larger web of life. The waterfall, the trees, the moving ionized air, and our own breathing are not separate from the moment we share. Through meditation and mindful walking, we discovered an opportunity to meet the living world with greater openness, gratitude, and care. We returned to everyday life with a renewed appreciation for the peace and connection that can be found when we pause and truly pay attention.
Our next Waterfall Meditation will be held in the spring of 2027. See you then.
