3 Tips for Mindful Walking

Lack of connection has been hard for so many throughout the pandemic. However, it has been said by the wise that loneliness in not necessarily cured by physical company but by deeper contact with reality. So, here are 3 tips for mindful walking and reducing stress…

1. Gratitude Walk.

Temporarily shelf worry and the urge to be mentally productive and explore your surroundings. Direct your senses to the present moment with openness, curiosity and flexibility. Take time to look closer or in unexpected places like a drop of rain or a fallen leaf. Smile and allow your mind to fully appreciate the sights and sounds of nature as the gifts that they are. If you get distracted, be kind to yourself and gently redirect your awareness to the space around you.

2. Vacation Awareness.

Vacations give us the opportunity to reset and let go of our daily stresses and concerns about the future. We don’t have to travel far to access this state of mind and walk like a tourist, even in our own neighborhood. Although your surroundings may be familiar, look for hidden beauty and welcome the new. Perhaps the sky has a totally unique cloud formation or you may hear the song of a bird for the first time.

3. Tread Lightly.

Practice making a serene encounter with the Earth in each step. Notice the sensation of pressure as your foot makes contact with the ground. Pay attention to the felt sense of the wind or gentle breeze on the skin. Also, as you swing your arms, enjoy the very subtle caress of air flowing around the fingers.