Peace ~ Shanti Hike: A Journey into Self, Nature & Divinity

Organized for the first time by three organizations coming together - Rewild Long Island, Science Museum of Long Island and YICG GVLP - Gita Vicara Leadership Program. This was a youth interfaith event and the goal was to provide youth of all backgrounds with an opportunity to reflect into self and identity, nature and ecosystems, and come away with actions to further spiritual progress while making the world a better place.

On a crisp autumn afternoon, a group of high-school students gathered at the trailhead with a shared intention:to slow down, breathe deeply, reconnect with the land beneath their feet, and reflect on three timeless questions:

Who am I? What is my relationship with nature? Where does the divine show up in my life?

The Rewild Shanti Hike was designed as more than a walk—it was a gentle invitation to explore Self, Nature, and Divinity, and to turn those reflections into meaningful actions for 2026. The Location was just perfect for these explorations - Science Museum of Long Island.

Led by Raju Rajan (ReWild LI), Hildur Palsdottir (SMLI), and supported by Rathi Raja and Madhu Allu, the afternoon offered a blend of mindful walking, journaling, shared inquiry, humor, and deep introspection—all held within the quiet beauty of the forest.

1. Identity & Introductions (2:00–2:45 PM)

Purpose: Ground students, open reflection, establish psychological safety. Key Points:

1. Students complete the three-label identity exercise: name, how others see them, how they see themselves.

2. Organizers introduce the purpose of the program: reflecting on Self, Nature, Divinity, and sources of happiness/unhappiness.

3. Students introduce themselves and share their labels to set the tone for openness and self-awareness.

2. Mindful Nature Walk & Meditation (2:45–3:45 PM)

Purpose: Build connection to land, presence, and interdependence

At 2:45 PM, the group stepped into the woods guided by Hildur Palsdottir, a board member at SMLI whose presence brings both calm and depth.

She invited the youth to arrive fully—to feel the earth, breathe with intention, and acknowledge the land’s ancient story:

• Once shaped by glaciers

• Later shaped by humans

• Still alive with forests, rivers, birds, fungi, insects

• Still carrying memories of Indigenous stewardship

Students practiced:

• Breathing with the trees

• Walking with reverence

• Letting go of time-traveling thoughts

• Seeing regeneration in small, quiet places

Hildur’s words lingered in the air: “Wherever you are, you are standing in a story much older than you.”

4. Journaling with Snacks: “If I Were a Tree…”

After the walk, youth gathered for snacks and a silent 15 minutes of journaling.

The prompt:

“If I were to turn into a tree, what remains of me?”

Some wrote about strength, roots, resilience. Others wrote about shedding old fears like leaves.A few wondered which creatures might make a home in them.

It became one of the most unexpectedly powerful questions of the day.

5. Group Questions: Repairing Harm at Three Levels

In small groups, guided by organizers, students grappled with three core questions:

1. Reduce/Repair Self-Harm

How do I make myself unhappy?How can I repair this harm?

2. Reduce/Repair Harm from or to Others

How do others make me unhappy?What is within my power to change?

3. Reduce/Repair Social or Systemic Harm

How does society cause suffering?Can identity labels help or hinder?What does collective care look like?

The conversations were honest, surprising, and deeply personal.Themes emerged: pressure, belonging, climate anxiety, expectations, identity, academic stress, and the desire for safe, non-judgmental spaces.

Groups later returned for a brief share-out.

TAKE AWAY : The Rewild Shanti Hike offered students a rare pause from routine: a chance to slow down, listen to the land, reflect on identity, and understand the ways we shape and are shaped by the world around us. Through mindful walking, thoughtful questions, and honest conversation, participants explored what it means to care for themselves, for others, and for the natural world. This experience is only the beginning — the true impact will come from how each student carries these reflections forward into their actions and choices in 2026.

Testimonials:

Arjun Rajagopalan : When I first arrived I went there with no expectations but it turned out to be a powerful event. On the nature walk I learnt interesting facts about different types of plants and trees. I also had a very unique experience in the solo mediation in the outdoors. The group discussions that we had provoked deep thinking and meaningful discussions. Overall it was my afternoon well spent.

Suhani Gaddam : I went to the event calm yet excited to see what it had in store for me. I was yet to realize that it would be the most peaceful I have been in a long time. From the ten minutes of meditation to the Circle of “sadness” where we shared our thoughts everything was so relieving and relaxing. I felt so heard and I’m so thankful that I got the opportunity to attend this incredible event!!

Neil Shah : When I first came to the event, I was just expecting it to be a 3-hour hike through nature. However, th event was so much more meaningful than I could have ever imagined. I learned so much about myself, my friends, and about the world around me and I’m truly grateful to myself that I signed up for it.

Harshil Pipwala : Going into the event, I thought it would be just a casual walk in the woods. But I quickly learned that it was not just a “peaceful” walk, but instead was a spiritual walk that is supposed to provide inner peace. My favorite moment was when we got the 10 minutes to just soak in the present moment. It let me observe and be mindful of my surroundings to a great extent. This was a great experience and I’m looking forward to many more events like these in the future!