December, 11th
Today we invite you to a Mindful Walking Exercise in Nature. This exercise is designed to help you reconnect with the present moment, grounding yourself in the natural world and centering your thoughts and emotions.
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How to get started
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Choose Your Space: Select a natural setting where you feel comfortable—a park, forest trail, beach, or garden.
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Dress Comfortably: Wear clothing and shoes suitable for walking and the weather.
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Set an Intention: Before starting, take a moment to reflect on why you’re here. Say to yourself, "I am here to connect with the earth and myself."
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Leave all electronic devices at home (including your phone, MP3 players)
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Set a time.
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The Walk:
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Pause and Breathe:
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Stand still at the start of your walk. Take three deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
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Feel the ground beneath your feet and notice how your body connects to the earth.
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Begin Walking Slowly:
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Walk at a pace that feels natural but unhurried.
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Pay attention to the sensation of your feet touching the ground: the texture, temperature, and firmness.
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Engage Your Senses:
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Sight: Notice the colors, patterns, and movement around you. Look up at the sky and down at the ground.
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Sound: Tune into the natural sounds—birds singing, leaves rustling, water flowing.
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Touch: Let your fingers brush leaves, tree bark, or the grass. Feel the air on your skin.
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Smell: Take in the scents of the environment—earthy, salty, or fresh.
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Ground Yourself with Gratitude:
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Pause midway through your walk. Close your eyes (if safe) and place your hand on your heart or stomach.
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Think of something you feel grateful for in this moment—a gentle breeze, the stability of the ground, or the beauty around you.
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End with Stillness:
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As your walk concludes, find a comfortable spot to sit or stand.
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Place your feet firmly on the ground. Imagine roots extending from them into the earth, anchoring you.
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Take three more deep breaths and acknowledge your presence in the world.
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Journaling questions:
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How did the exercise make you feel?
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What sensations, emotions, or thoughts arose during your walk?
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How can you carry this sense of grounding into the rest of your day?