Mindful Walking to Nurture the Soul
Walking is one of the best exercises to promote mental and physical health and improve overall well-being. Research shows “walking and talking” with a friend during a stroll fosters socialization and a space to share thoughts is also very beneficial. However, what about walking alone?
Often, for solo walkers, headsets are as important as water. Listening to upbeat music encourages an energized steady pace. Talking on the phone or perhaps catching up on news, a favorite Podcast or enjoying an audio book can help past the time. With many different purposes and outcomes for a walk, walking mindfully is one of my favorites.
The gentle slower pace and physical movement when mind walking allows “present moment awareness” and nurtures the soul. Paying attention to the physical sensations of smells, sounds, and the gentle breeze or the warm sun surrounding your body “creates anew” by feeding your mind, body, and spirit with fresh energy. Whether you walk the same path each day, or seek out new trails, mindful walking can make every walk different and special.
So what is mindful walking? It is simply learning how to focus and tune out the mindless chatter in our heads and listen, smell, touch, and look as you walk. Walks can be as short as 10 minutes for stress reduction or longer for a more therapeutic benefit. Below are suggestion on walking mindfully.
- Focus on breathing when establishing the rhythm of walking.
- Become attuned to the environment. Walking in nature is ideal, but each walk creates a new experience.
- Prayer and positive self-talk can also be helpful for staying focused.
- Combing exercise and mindful walking supports good emotional health. Practicing mindfulness while walking does not have to be planned. Parking away from the grocery store and tuning into sights and sounds can prepare for a better shopping experience.
- The wandering mind and thoughts “what’s for dinner” for example, is perfectly normal. Just harness your thoughts again and focus on the precious present.
If you walk for exercise or do not find walking beneficial, try stepping out of your comfort zone and experience mind walking. This won’t replace your current walks, but incorporating a 10 minute mindful walk a few time a week might provide a new purpose for walking.
If you would like more information about our Memory Ministry, Memory Cafe or Friends and Family Educational Workshops, please contact Vicky at vpitner@firstumc.org.