In our fast-paced world, it is easy to become bogged down by the stress of work, family obligations, and social commitments. We often don’t take the time to stop and smell the roses. In fact, we are so busy that we often don’t take the time to stop and smell anything.
One way to combat the stress of daily life is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is “the quality or state of being aware of what is happening around you” (Merriam-Webster). One way to be more mindful is to practice walking meditation. Walking meditation can be done anywhere whenever you feel the need.
When you walk mindfully, you focus on your feet as they hit the ground. You pay attention to your body and how it feels as you walk. You focus on your breath and how it feels as you inhale and exhale. As you walk, you notice the sights and sounds around you. You take in the experience of walking without letting your mind wander off into worries about the past or future.
Walking meditation can help improve your focus, concentration, and mindfulness skills. It can also amp up your mood while simultaneously reducing stress. Walking meditation can be especially helpful for people who struggle with anxiety or depression because it allows them to focus on their breath and body instead of their thoughts.
The power of mindfulness lies in its ability to connect us with our present moment experience. When we are mindful, we are less likely to get wrapped up in our thoughts and worries about the past or future. We are more likely to enjoy what is happening right now, even if it’s something as simple as taking a walk in nature.
