Taking yourself for a mindful walk is one of the best things that you can do for your mental health and wellbeing.
They say a picture speaks a thousand words, but what I want to know is, how do you FEEL looking at this?
I took this about an hour ago down on the Dingle promenade in Liverpool, and the weather was glorious. Spring has well and truly arrived and it made me feel great.
Reconnect with nature
When I suggest to you in my lives and via my blog, that you should reconnect with nature to feel better, I truly mean it.
My walk this morning soothed my emotions and made me feel calm, happy, and grateful to be experiencing this.
A mindful walk
Of course, not everyone has access, especially during lockdown to visit the coast, but the beauty of nature can be seen no matter where you are.
A mindful walk is about using your senses to experience being in the present moment.
It’s the act of BEING active in the present moment that is beneficial for your mental health and wellbeing.
Think of it as giving yourself a spa treatment for your mental health.
You’re not worrying about the future or the past when going for a mindful walk. You’re focused on the here and now, and you’re giving your mind a break.
Even if you live in a built up city centre, or in a place where nothing generally happens, there is natural beauty to be seen.
Easy steps to take for a mindful walk
The idea is to go for a walk with an open mind. You need to be experiencing sights, smells, sounds and feelings that you haven’t noticed before.
Trust me when I tell you that even if you spend just five minutes, you will be benefitting your wellbeing.
If you don’t fancy going for a walk, sit in your garden or look out of your window instead.
On my walk this morning, I could hear the birds singing loudly and it was so beautiful. I could feel the heat of the sun on my back and the colours of the grass, and trees were vibrant.
The water was gently soothing and the sun glistened so beautifully on it that it twinkled.
Here are just a couple of prompts for your mindful experience.
If the sun is out, where is it shining bright and what shadows is it casting?
If it’s raining, how do the rain drops hit and bounce off objects?
What plants, wildlife and people surround you?
Are there any historical buildings that you haven’t noticed before and if so, what stories can these tell you?
The most important aspect of your mindful walk is how it makes you feel.
If you see vibrant colours, it may make you feel more energetic. If you see people laughing and smiling, it may lighten your mood. If you see a little Robin on the wall watching you, you may feel inquisitive. There’s so much out there if you open your mind to a different perspective.
Further more, it’s an act of showing yourself some self-love and nurturing care.
Practicing Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness is a beautiful way to live your life. If you’re interested in learning more, please take a look at my meditation and mindfulness journals.
Finally, if you’re looking for crystals to help you be in the present moment, my favourite one is Unakite. The greens and pinks of this crystal are for transformation, growth and love.
