Mindfulness in the deep dark Oaksey woods.

Helloooo big wide world of Oaksey! Today I am up, pottering and venturing out for a spot of gentle exercise. We have recovered (ish) from the stress of the wound scenario and are very grateful to Mum for dropping everything and rushing over yesterday and taking the reins again while we both collapsed, literally. 

My dear, wise colleague, Bernie, has told me about 'mindful walking' and how I need to be practising this. Apparently, I need to be 'earthing my feet'! So, as running appears to be a distant memory, I have nothing to lose.

Here's a description for anyone interested:

Walking Meditation #1: Focus on Your Feet

This technique is very simple, making it great for beginners. In this method, the focus is your feet as they touch the ground. Your eyes are aimed a few steps ahead, and your mind is cleared of all thoughts and emotions extraneous to your keen awareness of each foot, as you place it on the ground. With each step, you focus your attention only on the contact of your foot with the ground, and when your mind wanders from this focus, you bring it back to your foot. You could actually practice this form in your own backyard, or even indoors, as you can walk in a circle or back and forth in a line.

Walking Meditation #2: Focus on the Six Sensations
The second way to practice walking meditation is similar to the first, with a slight variation in focus. Once you've mastered the first technique, you'll be ready for a little more challenge. You focus only on the sensations of your feet, noticing the pattern of lifting, pushing, and dropping of your feet as you walk. Eventually you will notice all six of the components of walking—raising, lifting, pushing, dropping, touching, and pressing. As you walk, you will notice that your mind will inevitably wander from this focus. The skill you work to develop is to refocus your awareness to the sensations of your feet, observing each component, each time it takes place. You can even chant the components softly as you walk. Obviously, a walking meditation beginner would probably not be able to power walk, as the goal of walking meditation is to calm the mind, not send it spinning.

www.finerminds.com

Well it lasted all of 30 seconds - never been one to easily clear my mind ha! But I will practice. Yes I will! Instead, I became completely absorbed in the most beautiful flowers and aromas so I suppose it was a meditation of sorts. Sensory overload, bluebell heaven, heady scents and lots of pictures.