Mindful Walking
As the weather starts to warm up and the snow melts away, it's the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of spring. One great way to do this is by practicing mindfulness while taking a walk.
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment. Walking mindfully can be a wonderful way to reduce stress, increase awareness, and connect with nature.
Here are some tips for practicing mindfulness while walking in the springtime:
Slow down: Take your time and walk at a slower pace than you normally would. This will allow you to be more present and to take in your surroundings.
Pay attention to your senses: Use your senses to fully experience your surroundings. Notice the smell of the fresh spring air, the feel of the sun on your skin, and the sound of birds chirping.
Focus on your breath: Pay attention to your breathing as you walk. Take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Be aware of your thoughts: As you walk, notice any thoughts that come into your mind. Don't judge them, simply acknowledge them and then let them go.
Practice gratitude: Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the springtime. Notice the blooming flowers, the greenery, and the vibrant colors.
Stay present: Whenever your mind starts to wander, bring your attention back to the present moment. Focus on your breath, your senses, and your surroundings.
Incorporating mindfulness into walking can help us become more attuned to our bodies and surroundings, and can enhance our sense of well-being. When we walk mindfully, we become more aware of the sensations in our feet as they make contact with the ground, the movement of our legs and arms, and the breath moving in and out of our bodies.
By paying attention to these sensations, we can bring our awareness back to the present moment and become more grounded, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, walking mindfully can help to activate the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system, which is associated with relaxation and rest.
Incorporating elements of polyvagal theory into mindfulness-based walking practices can help to deepen our understanding of the interplay between our nervous system, emotions, and behavior.
For example, paying attention to the bodily sensations that arise when we feel stressed or anxious can help us identify when we are experiencing activation of the sympathetic nervous system, and allow us to use mindfulness techniques to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation.
Finding time to intentionally slow down is an essential part of self-care and renewal.
Our internal body systems automatically adjust depending on both internal and external signals. Slow goes hand in hand with comfortable, at ease, relaxed. It’s also a skill that needs practice when we are so attuned to the fast paced nature of our environment. Taking a slow, mindful walk can be a powerful tool to promote well-being and reduce stress and anxiety.
Photo: Walking by Unsplash
Keri Perdrix (she/her/hers) is a licensed school counselor and is currently a student in Xavier University’s bridge program to obtain her mental health counseling license. As a trauma responsive care counselor utilizing a person-centered, strengths-based approach, Keri aims to create a secure, affirming, relationally-focused environment for every individual she works with so they feel safe and empowered to explore and overcome challenges.
The Rooted Compassion team is made up of a group of counselors who have a variety of specialties in order to best serve our clients. We recognize that every person has his/her own personal and unique life experiences and that one modality will not work for every client. Listed below is a summary of our counselors’ specialties at Rooted Compassion:
Emotional Freedom Techniques
Grief Counseling
Somatic Focused Counseling
EMDR
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Practices
Trauma Responsive Care Techniques
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Drama Therapy/Expressive Arts
If you are interested in learning more about what Rooted Compassion is all about, please contact us today, look through our website, or find us on Instagram and Facebook.
Rooted Compassion Counseling is Ohio’s leading practice for trauma therapy through the lens of the nervous system. Our focus is to walk alongside clients as they heal from depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and/or loss. If you or someone you know are seeking to explore and build an inner sense of calm and safety, please contact us today. We would love to help you to find a counselor and counseling techniques that will guide you on your mental health journey to healing.
