![mindful walking mindful walking](https://mindfulnessexercises.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Mindful-Walking.jpg)
Most of the time walking is utilitarian: we go from point A to B.
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– John Muir, The Unpublished Journals of John Muir I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown,įor going out, I found, was really going in. the store, work, the bike, car, or public transit. While we may do it less than we used to (evolutionary biologists estimate our ancestors took between 5,000 and 10,000 steps a day!), for most of us, it’s still a primary means of getting around – from one room to another from home to. The steady rhythm of our walking strengthens mindfulness naturally, and reminds our nervous system of a more patient, steadier way of life. It takes time to walk, one foot after the other. Walking mindfully allows us to connect with and receive the richness of the world around us, and grounds us in the rhythm of organic time: day and night, seasons and tides. Modern life in the digital age tends to be fast, and for many, mostly indoors. Mindful walking is another favorite way to bring more awareness to life. I’ve written elsewhere about how we can use our formal seated mindfulness to develop a natural awareness that permeates our days. In order to integrate mindfulness into our lives, it’s helpful to have clear, discrete practices to create this habit of presence. While we can aim to be mindful in all of our daily activities, the project can seem daunting or overwhelming without some stepping stones along the way. You can also write things down in a log or journal and use this as a tool to reflect on your experience or progress.Learning to make mindfulness part of our everyday life can deepen and enhance the range of benefits we experience: greater well-being, increased resilience, stronger attention, self-regulation, to name a few.
#Mindful walking how to#
Together you can determine how to deepen your practice. Touch base regularly to see if you’ve developed any insights and how you’re progressing. Stay accountableĭiscuss your practice and goals with a teacher, therapist, or friend. Walk within the time you have, no matter how brief. Notice if you have any resistance as you tune into your breath and body. Slow down your pace for a few minutes even when you find yourself short on time. Often when our mind is moving quickly, we move in a hurry, too.
![mindful walking mindful walking](https://www.ayurvedum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/walking-meditation-_-Ayurvedum.jpg)
Seated and walking meditation tips to try:
![mindful walking mindful walking](http://breathesmile.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Walking.jpg)
So you may find it’s worth learning seated meditation as well as walking meditation. Walking meditation is often used in conjunction with seated meditation. See how the practice varies when you’re walking to a destination in a rush versus walking slowly. Tune into your thoughts and observe them as they come and go. Focus on the sounds around you, your breath, or any bodily sensations. Staying mindful of each moment is a habit that takes time to cultivate.Īs often as you can, bring your mind to the present moment when you’re walking at any point in your day. Here are a few tips to help you get started with a consistent walking meditation routine: Be aware of the present moment