As the weather gets warmer, I find I do want to spend more time outdoors...and not just outside, but outside in nature. I love shedding my winter clothes and my body loves feeling the light and warmth of the coming summer months. One way you can take your yoga practice outside is by going on a meditation walk.
If you can find a nice trail or even path, walking mindfully outside is a great way to incorporate your yoga and mediation practice into your hectic schedule. It's easy to do but deceptively difficult too. It's walking with complete awareness of each step and being mindful of the breath as it comes in and out. And as you focus on your breath, you begin to focus on your thoughts and the dialogue or chatter that comes up as well. Being mindful of each step, you begin to slow down your monkey mind and become completely absorbed in the sound of your breath or the sounds of nature and trees all around you. You may even silently say a mantra to yourself as you walk.
With the budding of new life flourishing all around you, take your practice outside. If you walk with a friend, try to walk in silence for a bit and just enjoy the experience. There are great nature trails all over the city or just walk in your own neighborhood. One of my favorites is Red Bird Hollow, introduced to me during my yoga training. So, enjoy the spring and I hope to see you on the trails AND on your mat.
Namaste,
Susan
1 comment:
Usually I walk with my fiance' and two dogs - sometimes they walk us - they pull, we try to train - anyway we are always distracted by them. After reading this - I want to walk and be in the moment. I want to look, see, smell, and know my breathing. Thanks
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