During a recent visit back home, I went to the Unitarian Church with my mom. The sermon was about walking. Yes, walking! Not being a traditionally religious type of person, this is my favorite type of sermon.
The minister pointed out that there are many styles of walking. Commuting. Exercising. Dog walking. Some people walk with friends for company. Some with music. But far less frequently you encounter someone who is clearly walking with a deeper purpose. Someone who appears to be really in tune with their surroundings and is truly present.
Given my busy life, I find it hard to justify taking a walk with no purpose other than to simply be present with my mind, body and spirit. Especially now that I'm participating in the Go Green Get Fit Challenge, I am usually out walking for exercise.
I had the chance to go for a mindful walk this past week up at a friend's cabin in the woods of Wisconsin. One of my favorite things ever is walking in the woods and I had a rare opportunity to go for a walk all by myself! Instead of thinking about what I planned to cook for dinner or the errands I needed to run when I got home, I just walked. And breathed. And listened. And smelled. And enjoyed.
(Meanwhile I did get in 2 runs and a bunch of swimming in while at the cabin - so I'm still adhering, at least somewhat, to my fitness goals!)
Have you ever taken a walk with a meditative purpose?
I've never really given thought to how many different styles of walking there are. What an interesting topic for a sermon! You are right-most of us walk as a means to an end. We are trying to get somewhere. I've tried walking meditations, which is walking solely for the purpose of walking. It's hard to settle your mind and focus on the walk, but in the end it feels great.
Posted by: Lori Popkewitz Alper | July 04, 2012 at 07:53 AM
I agree Lori - it is hard to settle your mind! Every time I try to meditate it takes awhile to settle in - but it is worth the wait to feel so peaceful and relaxed!
Posted by: Micaela | July 05, 2012 at 09:49 AM
Lori, I'm not into traditional meditation, more able to just allow my mind to wander where it likes. I find that meditative too. Like you, I breathe, even close my eyes for a bit (when I'm not walking by the side of the road) and listen. It's a great way to be "in the moment."
Posted by: Lynn | July 06, 2012 at 10:27 AM
Hey everyone! I just wanted to share my great experience with this new app I just downloaded, Make Change Not Waste. It’s an app that tracks your green activities and rewards you with coupons to Whole Foods (or you can choose to donate the coupon money to charity). Just thought some of y’all might want to check it out :)
Posted by: Virginia | July 19, 2012 at 02:54 PM
Thanks for the tip Virginia! I will check it out!
Posted by: Micaela | July 23, 2012 at 06:59 PM
Big fan of walking as a way to think through things, even if it is to an end i.e. to work and back home, I find it helps get my thoughts in order nicely.
Posted by: Green Steve | July 25, 2012 at 07:00 AM
I couldn't agree more Steve. Walking is a perfect time to unwind with your thoughts!
Posted by: Micaela | July 25, 2012 at 07:13 AM
Good to hear about your experience of mindful walking.
Posted by: Mindful Walking Blog | January 28, 2013 at 06:20 AM