With all this people-distancing and being sheltered in place, I really need to get out in the fresh air and walk. I usually take my dog Koda with me, and of course, my mask! I don’t pretend for one minute the situation isn’t serious, but if you’re like me … it’s so important to keep things balanced, and while I take it seriously, I try my hardest to remain realistic and not become neurotic or over-react. Having a dog means I have to take him out every day for a walk, but I find these walks even more meaningful.
So, next time you venture outside for a little unwind time, why don’t you try a “walking meditation.” This is where you use the experience of walking as a catalyst to combine movement with inner-calmness. It’s all about focusing on the rhythm of walking to the point, where the rest of your mind chatter starts to quieten or even silenced. It really works! Anytime you actively focus your mind on a single activity, you enter some form of tranquillity.
When you’re walking, your mind will still have a tendency to wander. You may even catch yourself thinking, “I wonder if I have any new emails?” or “I wonder what my kids want for dinner?” When this happens, always try to bring your awareness back to the steady rhythm of your step.
Start by simply standing still in one spot. Let yourself feel the weight transferring to the soles of your feet, as you connect with the earth below. Shift your body from one foot to the other, and begin to notice how your body posture feels as you lift up your head and push your shoulders back as you breathe in. Now focus your gaze at a point slightly in front of you on the ground to help you avoid any visual distractions.
Start walking, and with each step, count from 1 to 10. Then count down from 10 to 1, and start again from 1 to 10. As you walk and count, keep your focus only on the sole of each foot as it hits the ground. As you count, you’re continually bringing your awareness and focus back to the present.
If you lose your count, or find yourself thinking while you’re walking, go back to the counting and start again. After about 15 minutes, come to a natural stop. Feel your soles once again on the earth, and switch your weight from one foot to another so that you just experience standing and being still. Breathe, and enjoy being in the present.