Peaceful Walking

Have you ever taken a walk as a way to reduce stress and feel relaxed? I do, every day. I am not talking about speed walking, or trying to get your pulse up to a specific rate for your cardiovascular health. I am talking about a walk to relax. If you are lucky enough to live near the ocean, or a nature trail, you have the perfect place to clear your head and enjoy the marvels of nature. If you don't, you can still enjoy walking and nature wherever you are. Do you live on a tree lined street? Is there a residential area nearby, that is quiet and tree lined? If you work in the city, and can only walk at lunch time, you will still see birds flying, or sitting in trees. You may see a dandelion or other herb growing out of a crack in the sidewalk. Perhaps there is even a park or a walking trail nearby. Okay, let's get started. Are you wearing comfortable shoes which you can keep good balance in? If you have a medical condition, has your health practitioner approved walking as a form of exercise? If so, let's go. Walk slowly at first. Notice your surroundings as you walk by them. Is there a pretty rosebush? What color are the roses? Can you smell one as you walk by? Here in Southern California, the jacarandas are in their full glory, spilling their beautiful light purple flowers on the green lawns under them. What type of trees and plants are in your area? What types of birds are flying around? Can you hear them? As you walk, you may find yourself absorbed in thoughts about a problem you are trying to solve, or a rehash of something that happened earlier today. When you discover that this has happened, just remind yourself gently to look around you again and notice the sights that you are walking past. If the stressful thoughts continue, you might try replacing them with a mantra or affirmation. That will be the subject of another blog entry. For now, just think of something pleasant you can repeat silently to yourself, such as "Life is good" or "I am happy and prosperous." And notice your surroundings as you do so. Sometimes it may be okay to continue thinking of a problem you need to solve. You can do it in a way that it becomes "background," something that gets worked on in a peaceful manner while you concentrate on something more pleasant. So, as you concentrate on the pleasure of your walk, let your thoughts and worries come and go. They may roll in and out like an ocean wave, or fly through like that airplane you see flying overhead. And while that is happening, you repeatedly remember to enjoy your pleasant walk. This is what is meant by "taking things in stride." Wishing you a peaceful day! Kate