Walking with Gawain: Exploring Cultural Heritage and Reflection through Movement.

The seminar offers participants a unique opportunity to engage with the medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight through physical movement and reflection. The seminar is structured around walking in Näckorsdammen with four key stops, each aimed at provoking introspection, dialogue, and a deeper understanding of the themes present in the poem and their relevance. We will explore the cultural significance of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, reflecting on how this text has influenced various aspects such as activism, spiritual thought, and creativity and how the poem touches on ideas of courage and moral integrity. The participants will also be invited to contemplate their relationship with the natural world and the mystical elements that influence their perceptions of reality and spirituality. This reflection encourages a deeper connection to the natural world and its significance in shaping personal beliefs. Finally, back in the seminar room, we will discuss the methodological benefits of walking as a tool for thought and reflection. This segment acknowledges the historical tradition of walking as a practice for intellectual and spiritual contemplation, highlighting the profound impact of physical movement on cognitive processes.

By combining physical movement with intellectual engagement, the walking seminar as a method, not only immerses participants in the themes of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight but also underscores the transformative power of walking in engaging with cultural heritage and fostering meaningful reflection.

Full text version of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: https://www.yorku.ca/inpar/sggk_weston.pdf