River Sensing
‘I felt connected to Country and to the other participants which enabled my nervous system to relax'.
River Sensing is a unique program offered by Maribyrnong River and Waterways Association.
Connecting with nature is an entry point for many people in caring for the environment. It is also well established that nature connection supports mental and physical health. This is critically important for human wellbeing, especially as more people report feelings of climate anxiety.
River Sensing workshops are held on the banks of the Maribyrnong River at various locations including Afton Street Conservation Reserve, Pipemakers Park and Brimbank Park. Participants are invited to walk, listen, feel, and be in relationship with the river.
They engage in simple mindful moving and sensory perception activities that promote nature connection, relaxation, stress reduction, and mental clarity. This process is highly restorative and can help build a sense of purpose in caring for our environment.
The impact of these sessions is clearly expressed in the following participant feedback comments:
“I felt much more relaxed, and also quite pleased/proud of the way I’d been able to connect with the intention of the workshops.”
“I felt much more grounded, I was also connected to my five senses, my mind was calm and I felt a huge sense of peace and tranquillity.”
Some of our sessions have invited participants to engage in sensory drawing.
These activities support people to listen, feel, and connect with the river and its surrounds by making marks on paper that capture their experience of the natural elements – water, wind, sound and so on.
We always make time for rest . . .
Join the Team
For internship & volunteer opportunities, please email
contact@maribyrnongriver.org.au