Mindful Walking
There are days in our lives when we look up into the sky and see that the sky is blue and we feel happy. We know that it will not always be like that and there will be rainy days but it is certain that after the rain the sun will shine again. These are days when our mood is good and we feel happy and spread happiness everywhere we go.
If we practise mindfulness on these days our happiness will grow much faster than on other days when we do not feel that well. When our mood feels like a rainy day and we just see clouds everywhere, the practice of mindfulness can become difficult for us. Our only focus can become to change our mood because we do not want to feel anxiety, sadness or anger.
However, trying to suppress our emotions will only make them stronger. These are days when the practice of mindful walking can help bring out attention to the present moment so we can feel more in touch with our emotions and accept them instead of trying to escape from them.
What are the 4 steps of mindful walking?
The movement
Begin walking, a little slower than normal.
Walk as if you are walking for the first time by paying attention to your every movement as you walk
Be aware of each breath, breathing naturally, but deeply.
When your mind drifts away from walking and breathing, gently guide your thoughts back to walking and breathing.
Participation question
If you walk now, how does it make you feel while walking and after walking?
What is your favourite hiking/walking trail and what is so special about it?
How does practising mindful walking sound as a way to try a new way of walking?
If you don't have access to hiking trails or country lanes, that’s okay. Mindful walking can be done in your own house, your local park or neighbourhood, and even at the grocery store.
Resources
5 Tips on Habit Stacking and Mindful Walking
Mental stress can lead to serious health problems. If you have serious, long-term problems with negative thinking and feel depressed, see your doctor or talk to a therapist if you feel they are related to any mental challenges.
7cups has online, certified therapists with a paid option. For more information click on link https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy/?ob=1
Image by Latuperisa-Andresen on Unsplash
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@amiablePeace77
If you walk now, how does it make you feel while walking and after walking? Walking a mile or more is challenging now and I do feel better after doing it.
What is your favourite hiking/walking trail and what is so special about it?
I do not live near a wild area so I walk around the neighborhood and see the sky and trees and plants and birds. Everyplace can be a wilflife sanctuary.
How does practising mindful walking sound as a way to try a new way of walking? I do Tai Chi and slow walking with mindfulness is part of that. It makes each step more precious.
@soulsings
Tai chi is an amazing way to get into touch with movements and to really experience what walking means, putting one foot on the ground and then slowly the other, feeling the ground.
I love being outside in this province nature is absolutely amazing this time of the year … the capelin are rolling and the whales chase them to shore you can walk on a rocky beach and sit and enjoy. It is spectacular!!
I sometimes hesitate to walk but absolutely glad I did afterwards and I feel stronger too.
Mindful walking sounds amazing very peaceful. 💕💕💕
@SunShineAlwaysGrateful
@SunShineAlwaysGrateful
@SunShineAlwaysGrateful Wow thanks for this incredible photo!
@SunShineAlwaysGrateful
It's a blessing when you can experience true nature! Thank you for sharing these amazing pictures!
@amiablePeace77
As to not tell an untruth, I am yet struggling to be mindful. I walk a lot around the yard but can not seem to be mindful. Yet I keep trying to be😒
@WorkingitThrough2 the key to mindfulness is to keep bringing the mind back to the point of focus.
@soulsings
I keep trying to do that but I seem to not be able to stay in that moment. My brain just won't seem to slow down enough to focus on the here and now. Makes me feel broken for not being able to do this. I have been trying for years.
@WorkingitThrough2 the good news is you do not have to keep it in the here and now. All you have to do is keep bringing it back time and time again. That is how the mind is trained. It takes time and persistence.