Pepperdine News and Events

Jennifer MacDonnel Founds Hiking and Meditation Group

Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) MFT student Jennifer MacDonell has founded Hiking with Heart, a community hiking and meditation group whose mission is to support the experience of a healthy mind, body, and spirit through cultivating mindful awareness.

Hiking with Heart targets all ages interested in incorporating health and wellness into their life for better balance. She anticipates that young professionals who are perpetually busy will utilize her services, seeking quiet-time away while maintaining their health.

MacDonell takes groups of 15 to 20 persons on one-hour hikes. In the near future, she will be inviting guest yoga instructors to lead the daily meditations. She looks to eventually offer her services as company retreats for businesses interested in team building.

MacDonell’s endeavor was inspired by GSEP professor Dr. Erica Ellis who holds weekly meditations before class. “I really felt an impact on my ability in class after we took time to breathe for a moment.” says MacDonell. “I started developing an interest in alternative therapeutic techniques and healing as well.”

While meditating during a hike in January of this year, MacDonell had an epiphany that she could use health and fitness to encourage community involvement. She plans to use these hikes to educate her clients on ways they can help better their community individually as well as organize collective community service opportunities. Consistent with modeling behavior, a portion of Hiking with Heart’s proceeds will be donated to local charities.

Jennifer is currently working on her Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy with the goal of pairing traditional psychotherapy with alternative healing practices.