An important part of wellness is our senses. It is through our senses; seeing, touching, smelling, tasting and moving that we come to know and enjoy everything in our lives. Spending time tuning into our senses not only increases our wellness, but also lets us tap into our creative sides. One of my favourite sensing activities is a mindfulness walk. Mindfulness walking is where you spend time being fully present with your surroundings. I did this for the first-time last year and I found the experience so overwhelming. I could not believe how powerful it can be when you are fully aware of all the sights, sounds and smells around you. I heard things and saw things I had never noticed before, despite doing the same walk many times! I have put together a mini-guide so you can try this one yourself.
Your mini-guide to mindfulness walkING.
Here is a mini-guide so you can try this one yourself. Leave your phone at home and give it a go, even just for five minutes.
• Before you begin, take a moment to become aware of how your body feels and all sensations. Are you tired? Energised? Stiff? What do your feet like on the ground? Is one heavier than the other?
• Slowly begin walking and keeping tuning in toto how your body feels as you take each step. Feel the sensation of each foot as it presses down onto the earth or floor- notice your foot as it lifts up, touches the ground and is lifted up again.
• Start looking around and pay attention to your surroundings- listen to the birds sing, the cars driving by, the barista in the shop making a coffee, the heels clicking of people walking by…
• As your mind starts to wander, concentrate on your breathing- use a gentle belly breath to calm your thoughts, relax your body, hips, elbows, muscles, legs, face, eyes and ears. This will help you stay present.
Here are some of the benefits of mindfulness walking.
• It increases your connection to nature.
• It gives you a break from your mind chatter.
• It improves your concentration.
• It helps you connect to your body.
• It allows you to be fully present.