Meditation is proven to be a great tool for the mind but it can be difficult to know where to begin.
For those that find it difficult to sit still, there are a few simple and easy ways that you can start incorporating a mindfulness routine into your daily schedule.
WALKING MEDITATION
A great way to begin with meditation is to go on a walk. Sounds simple right? well it is!
Adding in some minor adjustments to your normal walking routine is a great way to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life.
This practice can be used any time that you are walking – whether that’s at home, in the garden or to your local shop.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Step 1 | As you begin your walk, the first thing to do is slow down your speed to a snail’s pace.
Step 2 | Now you have slowed right down, start to pay attention to your feet as you walk across the ground. Try to feel the soles of your feet against your shoes and the foot as it touches the ground.
Step 3 | Recognise your breath. Ask yourself how the air feels as it enters your lungs. Perhaps even become aware at what speed you’re breathing.
Step 4 | See if you can smell any scents as you walk. Are there flowers nearby?
Step 5 | Become aware of the different sounds you can hear. Is there a bird chirping? can you hear a car driving nearby?
Step 6 | As you walk make sure to stop and focus on particular things that you see, perhaps you pay attention to the cracks in the wall, or a flower growing through some concrete. Make a mental note of all the things you can see and next time you do that same walk try to notice something different that you didn’t see the last time you walked this path, perhaps a small dot of paint on the wall or a new fallen leaf.
