For years I’ve been drawn to the idea of meditation, but I’ve never felt the urge to sit still and purposefully meditate.
I mean, isn’t that what you’re supposed to do?
Sit while focusing and training your mind towards a mentally and emotionally clear and calm state?
We all have our unique styles, and it turns out I do meditate. I just happen to be upright and walking in nature.
Here are the guidelines I follow that make a walk in the woods meditative and not a workout.
- Go alone. No friends, no dogs, no distractions.
- No music, no podcasts, no social media. No catching up on the phone with a friend. Carry your cellphone for emergencies only.
- No talking out loud, no humming, no singing. Get lost in the silence.
- No goal setting, no to-do lists, no worrying. Just walk.
- Concentrate on your breath and follow the blazes.
Time feels weightless, your mind stops racing, and you’ll feel free and calm.
Just like a workout can be a run, yoga, weight training, or CrossFit, meditation can be whatever activity works for you to get the positive changes in our minds and our actions.