Mindful walking - it makes sense!

Can you hear the water?

We know that walking is good for us. We also know that mindfulness has proven benefits. Put them together and it appears that you get an experience greater than the sum of the parts according to research conducted at Penn State University.

What is Mindful Walking?

Mindful walking is moving while retaining an awareness of your breathing, physical sensations and your surroundings. Generally you will walk at a slower than “normal” pace and actively engage your senses to become fully present and consciously aware of the here and now. Not dwelling on the past, nor projecting into the future but focusing on the act of walking where you are walking.

It is just as possible to walk mindfully in a busy urban environment as it is in countryside more like that in the header photo. The next time you set out on foot, rather than walk on autopilot (how often have you arrived at your next meeting with no idea what route you took to get there?!!) try this…

How do I walk mindfully?

As you walk, first of all tune into your breathing and consciously take some deep breaths in and out, then take time to really tune into your physical body and surroundings and reflect on..

• 5 things you can SEE

• 5 things you can HEAR

• 5 things you can SMELL

• 5 things you can FEEL/TOUCH

• 5 things you can TASTE

Tuning into some of your senses will take more focus and perhaps a sprinkling of creativity, but I guarantee that your previously whirring mind will be quietened and your walk will be a much more enjoyable one.