One of the best things you can do for your health is meditate. The benefits are well-documented, and so are the mental health benefits of getting some fresh air.
That’s why combining the two in a walking meditation outdoors can be such a boon to health. It’s called a walking meditation but anyone can do it, even if you can’t walk. You can do it in a wheelchair or simply seated in your garden. Or looking out a window.
I’ve included this meditation (and another) in my Guided Journal for Healing, HERE. It’s not just a blank writing or drawing journal—there are also activities that help boost mood and immune system.
Here’s an excerpt from the walking meditation in the Guided Journal for Healing:
Pretend it’s your very first day on earth. This is the first time you’ve seen what you are about to see.
One by one, slowly, notice everything around you: the warmth of the sun…a cool breeze….the colors of flowers…take it all in…. the activity of people in the area…the sounds around you….notice the texture of the grass and bushes.
Breathe deeply as you walk or sit in silence.
Marvel in the life around you.
Notice the feelings that come up.
Appreciate the gift of new eyes.
As you can see, this is a great exercise for anyone to do, sick or not. But it’s especially helpful for those who aren’t well.
I’d love for you or someone you love to take advantage of the healing support offered in the Guided Journal for Healing. You can order it HERE.
Carol, you had posted recently about a labyrinth (possibly in France?); I Googled to see if there are any close by us. I found one in Sunnyvale. I have not visited it yet so I am not sure of how “good” it is. Could be perfect for this, though I find my best meditation is while out walking in nature, taking picture, it has such a calming effect on me.
Love this Carol and what a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors and meditate on it’s beauty. We get so caught up in our lives that we forget to look around and actually appreciate nature. Being in the moment, that is what it is all about! Thank you for the reminder. x
I have not tapped into the power of meditation. I don’t really know how to do it honestly because I have so much going on and I always feel like I need to be doing something. The only time I guess I get to “zone out” is when I am working out!
I love this idea of meditating outdoors. I’m not the most outdoors-y person, but I do know how to appreciate the beauty of nature and the things around me. 🙂
I really like this idea. I always want to medidate, but then as usually, the day flies by. This way, I can be out walking and still medidate. Thank you for posting this!
What a wonderful idea! I’ve always wanted to learn to meditate, but for some reason, I just cannot make myself sit still long enough to concentrate. I need to be exercising as well, so this will combine both!
That reallyi= is a good exercise.Viewing the world through new eyes definitely would have its perks. Gratefulness, awe, appreciation… and so much more.
I LOVE walking meditation. Thank you for this simple, easy to understand guide. I think it will help a great many people. I have no idea if you’ll see this in time, but I host a biweekly, themed link-up party. After it closes for links, it converts to a permanent resource library so that people can come to my blog to browse for links on certain topics and then hop on over the blogs that join the link-up. This week’s theme is recovery and healing..and I think this post would be a wonderful addition to it, if you are inclined to join! The catch? I saw this late, and it closes at 9pm PST-which is just a few hours away. If you happen to see this while the link-up is still accepting links, I would be thrilled to have you add this one in! You’ll be looking for Off-Fridays week 3 on bettysbattleground.com Either way: lovely post!
Walking meditation can be very beneficial, I agree. I actually take time each morning to meditate through prayer and reading the Bible. I feel lost if I don’t do it.
been very busy lately..as the saying goes,”stop to smell the flowers”. i need to do this once in a while..meditate ,relaxand appreciate what god has given us..
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I love this Carol! I try to notice the beauty around me even when walking the same old streets in my ho-hum neighborhood, and there always is!
Carol, you had posted recently about a labyrinth (possibly in France?); I Googled to see if there are any close by us. I found one in Sunnyvale. I have not visited it yet so I am not sure of how “good” it is. Could be perfect for this, though I find my best meditation is while out walking in nature, taking picture, it has such a calming effect on me.
https://www.svpc.us/groups/labyrinth.php
This is so true. Main reason why I love working in my garden. It gives me time to sit after digging and planting and reflecting on things.
Yes, especially this time of year I marvel at the beauty in nature. Too often we forget to stop and smell the roses!
I love taking walks and meditating as well. Great way to refresh the mind and spend me time!
Perfect! Slow down and just see and be. Exactly what I need. What we all need!
I needed this today, thanks for the reminder!
This is such a great reminder, I used to walk a lot but can’t do that anymore, however I have a lovely garden I can take time in.
Love this Carol and what a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors and meditate on it’s beauty. We get so caught up in our lives that we forget to look around and actually appreciate nature. Being in the moment, that is what it is all about! Thank you for the reminder. x
I find that walking helps me to think. When I am stressed it helps me to calm down
What a beautiful meditation and a great reminder to slow down, step back and appreciate. Gratitude is the best meditation of all.
I have not tapped into the power of meditation. I don’t really know how to do it honestly because I have so much going on and I always feel like I need to be doing something. The only time I guess I get to “zone out” is when I am working out!
This post is right on time with what I’m dealing with in my life, thanks!
There is just something about being in a garden that soothes the soul. I enjoy just sitting out there and looking at what all is there.
I love this idea of meditating outdoors. I’m not the most outdoors-y person, but I do know how to appreciate the beauty of nature and the things around me. 🙂
I really like this idea. I always want to medidate, but then as usually, the day flies by. This way, I can be out walking and still medidate. Thank you for posting this!
I have never done it but it looks I have to start to do it! Thank you for share amazing info
What a great article on slowing down and being mindful as well as focusing the mind. Thank you.
What a wonderful idea! I’ve always wanted to learn to meditate, but for some reason, I just cannot make myself sit still long enough to concentrate. I need to be exercising as well, so this will combine both!
Indeed such a great reminder. Appreciating the beauty of nature is my way to navigate. Thanks for sharing the walking meditation.
That reallyi= is a good exercise.Viewing the world through new eyes definitely would have its perks. Gratefulness, awe, appreciation… and so much more.
I LOVE walking meditation. Thank you for this simple, easy to understand guide. I think it will help a great many people. I have no idea if you’ll see this in time, but I host a biweekly, themed link-up party. After it closes for links, it converts to a permanent resource library so that people can come to my blog to browse for links on certain topics and then hop on over the blogs that join the link-up. This week’s theme is recovery and healing..and I think this post would be a wonderful addition to it, if you are inclined to join! The catch? I saw this late, and it closes at 9pm PST-which is just a few hours away. If you happen to see this while the link-up is still accepting links, I would be thrilled to have you add this one in! You’ll be looking for Off-Fridays week 3 on bettysbattleground.com Either way: lovely post!
Walking meditation can be very beneficial, I agree. I actually take time each morning to meditate through prayer and reading the Bible. I feel lost if I don’t do it.
I like taking walks too! Meditating is really good and great. Awesome post!
been very busy lately..as the saying goes,”stop to smell the flowers”. i need to do this once in a while..meditate ,relaxand appreciate what god has given us..
I walk but never knew about meditation along with it. Will have to give it a try.
I believe meditation is important and can help in all areas of life. I love to meditate on scripture and really need to do more of it.
Sounds like a great way to start off the day! Always trying to the the world in a new light and remembering to appreciate it.
I’m a student of mindfulness and practice meditation daily. I enjoy the calm and clarity that walking brings to my life.
This couldn’t have come at a better time. I just lost my great grandmother.