The Complete Guide to Walking and How it Benefits Your Health
How to Turn Your Next Walk into a Mindful Nature Hike in 5 Steps
The next time you walk around your neighborhood, take the time to notice what is happening around you. As you walk, pay attention to the sounds that are all around you. Notice how the smell of a nearby bakery or garden can transport you to another place and time.
As we walk, we can choose to focus on our thoughts and worries or choose instead to focus on what is happening in the present moment. The more often we practice this mindful walking meditation exercise, the easier it will become to shift our minds away from worries and into a state of relaxation and calmness.
For a longer walk, we can practice the walking meditation exercise for ten minutes. We can practice for as long as we feel will be most beneficial for shorter walks.
The walking meditation exercise is simple:
Begin by standing upright, closing your eyes, and taking three or four deep breaths, filling your lungs with air and maintaining the breath for a count of two. As you inhale, let go of all thoughts and worries — any idea can be left behind on the exhale. Once you feel centered, begin to walk slowly, focusing on the sensation of each step…
