Here’s a trick I learned that helps me train my brain to be present while simply walking.
Mindfulness On-the-Go: Walking Meditation Practice
You can do this while walking to work, in the hallways, running errands, or walking from the car to the door on the way home. Keep in mind this is a practice. So whenever you remember that you are rushing home to relax, or really rushing anywhere, just say to yourself, “rushing, rushing, rushing.” This in itself widens the space between stimulus and response where awareness and choice lies. In this space, you are now present and can engage in any of these ways of mindful walking. But don’t ever take my word for it, try it for yourself! Imagine what the days, weeks and months ahead would be like if you practice mindfulness on-the-go a bit more often. (And for more on walking meditation, you might want to check out “Walk This Way,” from the June 2013 issue of Mindful magazine.) As always, please share your thought, insights and questions below. Your interactions here provide a living wisdom for us all to benefit from. Adapted from Mindfulness & Psychotherapy
