A Deep Time Walk

A few weeks ago, I joined a Deep Time Walk.

I expected an interesting experience. Perhaps a bit of science, a bit of walking, and some food for thought along the way.

What I did not expect was that it would leave such a profound impression on me.

In fact, I wrote a blog about the experience afterwards (link)

What struck me most was not the scientific story itself, but the perspective shift it created. Walking through 4.6 billion years of Earth's history — literally one step at a time — changes the way you see yourself, humanity, and our place in the larger web of life.

Ever since that day, I have wanted to share this experience with others.

And that is exactly why I decided to organize a special edition of the World of Liesbet Wanderings.

An invitation to wander through deep time

If you have been following my blog for a while, you may have come across my reflections on wandering.

A wandering is not a hike.

It is not a workshop.

It is not a lecture.

As I wrote in An invitation to wander, wanderings are about slowing down, exploring ideas together, making unexpected connections, and allowing ourselves to be transformed by what we encounter along the way.

The first wandering taught me how powerful it can be to simply walk together and create space for reflection. You can read some reflections on that experience here.

This Deep Time Walk feels like a natural extension of that idea.

What is a Deep Time Walk?

A Deep Time Walk is a guided walk of 4.6 kilometres.

Each metre represents one million years of Earth's history.

As we walk, we journey from the birth of our planet, through the emergence of oceans, continents, life, plants, animals, and eventually humans.

What makes the experience special is that it is not merely an intellectual exercise. It combines scientific knowledge with movement, imagination, sensory awareness, and reflection.

Rather than learning about Earth's history, you begin to experience it.

You start to feel the almost unimaginable scale of geological time.

You discover how recently humans arrived on the scene.

And you begin to appreciate that everything we are, everything we depend on, and everything we take for granted is the result of billions of years of evolution and co-creation.

The Deep Time Walk is often described as a "head-heart-body" experience. Science provides the framework, but the journey also invites emotions, wonder, connection, and a renewed sense of belonging to the living world around us.

Why does this matter?

We live in a time of ecological, social, and existential challenges.

We often talk about sustainability, climate change, biodiversity loss, and systemic transformation.

But many of these conversations remain abstract.

The Deep Time Walk offers something different.

By placing ourselves within the larger story of life on Earth, we gain a different perspective on what is at stake and what our role might be.

It reminds us that we are not separate from nature.

We are nature.

We are one very recent chapter in a much longer story.

And perhaps understanding that story a little better can help us make wiser choices about the chapter we are currently writing.

Join us

On Sunday 6 September, we will walk together through 4.6 billion years of Earth's history in the green surroundings of Diepenbeek.

The walk will be facilitated by Griet Verbeeck, a certified Deep Time Walk facilitator, who will guide us through the journey and invite us to pause at key moments in Earth's history.

Along the way, there will be opportunities for individual reflection, shared conversation, and contemplation about what this story means for us personally and professionally.

No prior knowledge is needed.

Just comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, curiosity, and an open mind.

If my previous Deep Time Walk taught me anything, it is that four and a half billion years can fit surprisingly well into an afternoon — and that such an afternoon can stay with you for a very long time.

I hope you will join us on this journey through deep time. 🌍✨

Practical information

When? Sunday, 6 September 2026, from 13:30 to 17:30

Where? The walk starts and ends at the main entrance of Building D, Agoralaan, Diepenbeek (Belgium).

Language: The walk will be facilitated in Dutch.

Duration and distance: Approximately 4 hours and 4.6 kilometres.

What to bring? Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water if desired, and an open mind.

Participation: Participation is free of charge. To create an intimate and reflective experience, the group is limited to 15 participants.

Registration: You can register here

Because places are limited, we kindly ask you to register only if you reasonably expect to attend. If something unexpectedly comes up, please let us know as soon as possible so that someone else can take your place.