Let Go Of Your Busy Mind With A Winter Mindfulness Walk

Get inspiration from Nature with a Walkabout.  Our environment is filled with beauty that can significantly inspire you.  Nature is everywhere.  Attain moments of clarity and connection.

Feel connected to your neighborhood.  How best can you get connected to your surroundings?  Did you know that when you spend time in nature, your senses awaken?  Ears can quickly pick up birds chirping and the wind blowing.  Become more present in your own life.

Breathe in the fresh air.  Explore the awareness of your own breath and synchronize it with your movements.  When you take a breath in, it is filled with oxygen that increases serotonin levels in your body.  This is a mindful walk, not a power walk.  Begin at a comfortable pace.  Take a breath in for a few counts.  Breath out with the same number.  Pace your footsteps to your breath.  Take your time.  Pause and enjoy this fresh intake of oxygen to every cell of your body.  Allow your focus to be in front of you, instead of toward the ground.

MINDFULNESS WALK

Goal:

The goal of a mindfulness walk is to cultivate awareness and kindness to yourself and the natural world around you.  It is a walk of observation without judgement.

Preparation:

Set aside a regular time, ideally early morning or late afternoon.  Begin walking at an easy pace.  Dress with clothes and shoes that are comfortable.

The Formula:

Set an intention to cultivate awareness during your walk. 

Engage the five senses.  Become aware of what you SEE, HEAR, SMELL, TOUCH and TASTE.  Tasting can be the coolness or warmth of the air you breathe. 

Notice the change in seasons with color, shadows and patterns of nature.

Be aware of the speed of your breath.  Explore the awareness of your breath and synchronize it with your walk.

Allow your arms and legs to move comfortably and feel the sensation of feet touching the ground.  Explore the texture of grass versus gravel.  Slow down your pace.

Let go of your busy mind.  Acknowledge thoughts or worries and refocus your breath and surroundings.  Notice how you feel differently from when you started.  Incorporate mindfulness into your daily life, beyond your walks.

Personal Gain:

Cultivating inner peace.  Bringing pure oxygen to your lungs, heart and brain. 

Creating a new experience and changing old patterns.  

Exploring a relationship with the natural world to help connect to your true self.

Author: Madeline Marchell, Naturalist, Forest Therapy Guide, and Integrative Medicine Practitioner