If we can create mindfulness in our everyday lives, from eating, walking and communicating, then our worlds can become a more peaceful and wonderful place. It's easy to start incorporating simple habits to make our day more enjoyable.
Mindfulness is available to us at every moment of the day and by tapping into it often and creating a healthy conscious habit, we will start to see positive benefits that will have a ripple affect into all areas of our lives.
Being mindful isn't difficult and it can be done with any activity you do, such as when you're eating a meal and allowing yourself to be completely present and connect with what you're consuming, how it's making you feel and avoiding distractions.
You can also be mindful when you're cooking, by being aware of the immediate activity that you're doing - noticing everything you touch, smell, cut and slice.
Or even as you garden, noticing the colours and smells of the plants, the touch of the dirt and the outdoor sounds.
Another great way to incorporate mindfulness is by walking and you can do this with general day-to-day walking, even between meetings or grabbing a coffee, as it's a wonderful way to make time to be present in the moment.
With frequent practice, you'll notice how it changes your mindset and you may create a deeper connection and understanding with yourself. It can be used as a 'reset' throughout your day and any time you feel anxious, stressed or unfocused.
Mindfulness isn't difficult to do, we just need to remember to practice it everyday.
Mindful Walking
Awareness of ourselves, such as thoughts, emotions and bodies, as well as our surroundings can be experienced through slow, gentle walking in nature.
You could do this inside, but it's recommended that you get outdoors for this activity and if possible, being barefoot is the best for grounding.
Connecting to the Earth and all it's beauty through grounding has a profound and spiritual way of reconnecting our soul to the Universe and it's an amazing practice for those who may have challenges in their lives or experience stress, depression, anxiety, disconnection or unhealthy habits. It can definitely help us 'reset'.
A walking meditation is a great way to connect with surroundings and to your breath and it's so simple that you probably won't even notice you're practicing a type of meditation!
Activity
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Step outside, preferably barefoot, but you don't have to be and leave all distractions inside such as your phone. This should be done without headphones/music and there is no need to talk while you mindfully walk.
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Take in a deep breath as you start to take your first few steps and slowly start to take in your surroundings.
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Gently take your time to wander around a space such as a back or front yard, a park, the city, or wherever you may be. There is no rush and it should be a place that brings you happiness, joy or calmness.
Using all your senses, notice what's around you:
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By slowly noticing every single thing around you and using your senses, we become grounded and present. This in turn creates calmness in the mind, body and spirit as one.
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Each day, take a mindful walk and it can start off as 5 minutes and increase the duration each day or each week. Make it manageable for you so that this can be a habit you're motivated to include every day.
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After your walk, continue the silence and journal your thoughts, feelings, progress or whatever you feel called to to write down. As the mind becomes clear throughout these walks, you may have more clarity and inspiration to journal.
Mindful meditation walking can be done by anyone at any age and as you practice this more, you'll be able to notice a difference and tap into it whenever you need it. You may even start doing this without noticing!
If this activity has helped you or you enjoyed it, let us know in the comments below.
