With 'Ceci n'est pas (qu') une refugeewalk' music theater maker Judith Vindevogel invites you to walk into autumn in silence on Sunday, September 21, the International Day of Peace.

Autumn has traditionally symbolized letting go of what no longer serves you, turning inward, reflecting, and contemplating.

Walking in silence not only brings you closer to yourself, but it also makes it easier to connect with nature. You feel, hear, see, and smell more.

By linking this silent walk with the Refugee Walks of Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen and the International Day of Peace, it also becomes easier to empathize with the countless men, women, and children who are fleeing worldwide.

All of this makes this walk a very concrete way to explore, experience, restore, or feel the connection between:

1) selfcare

2) care for society

3) care for more-than-human life

‘Ceci n'est pas (qu) une refugeewalk' thus also becomes an important first step in the three-year research project KuNaZo³.

We’ll set off in a small group from the hamlet of Mormont (Nassogne) and make a 20 km loop via Fourneau Saint-Michel, toward Ambly, Grupont, and Masbourg, before returning to Mormont. Fancy coming a day (or two) earlier to warm up? Then send an email to judith@rif.be .

TOWN

“Encore merci pour cette belle expérience, Judith! Voilà une bonne façon de célébrer l'entrée dans l'automne, d'apprécier ses couleurs chaudes et ses odeurs de fruits et de champignons, en pensant à tous les réfugiés qui ont dû quitter leur pays... et à toutes les victimes des régimes totalitaires. J'ai aimé marcher en silence, mais aussi rencontrer de nouvelles personnes. Je me souviendrai de ce jour.” Marie Lecomte, secrétaire Contrat de Rivière pour la Lesse, Rochefort

“During the hike, we discovered sooo many, for us very new and beautiful pieces of forest and meadow that we had never seen, even though they are within walking distance from our house. The beautiful and mild weather certainly also helped to enjoy it even more. During the walk, we both thought a lot about our friend Nesma, who was also walking with her little daughter and family that day, to get away from Gaza City, where the Israeli army was moving in. It made us dream to one day be able to take such a peaceful walk with Nesma too in the nature surrounding us. Thank you Judith!!!” Prof Dr Lukas Pairon, director SIMM & Michèle Vanvlasselaer, glass artist

“Was very nice! Sjapoo for your energy and enthusiasm.” Michel Van Laere, team coach and editor of Klasse

“Silent walk, refuge walk, going to dinner at someone we don't know yet. All new. We are still enjoying.” Hilde Van den Brande, RTH Family counsellor Youth Care Ter Elst

“C'était émouvant de voir les photos de la première balade avec le drapeau qui flottait dans nos campagnes et nos forêts.” Céline Bernard, foley artist/bruiteuse

PRESS

The silence walk Ceci n'est pas qu'une Refugeewalk was highlighted by Merlijn Twaalfhoven, in De Tegentijd's 11 September newsletter.