I’ve probably been taking mindfulness walks for as long as I can remember. I want to share how mindfulness walks help ground me because whenever I’m feeling stressed or anxious my first instinct (as long as the weather allows) is to take a long walk. I get my headphones, pick a playlist or set the vibe and zone out. Life can be a bit overwhelming at times. We are dealing with our own personal lives (including friends, family, work, and partners) and all of the other things going on in the world. If you are an empath like me, all of that can take a toll. On days that I am feeling too much, I like to take a mindfulness walk to help center myself.
On my walks, I get to be with my thoughts and feelings without any real distractions. I can be present with my emotions and really work to understand what I am feeling. As someone who works from home, it can be difficult to be fully present with my feelings when I can easily be distracted by work or something trivial that takes me away from processing my thoughts. Walking gets me outside in the fresh air, and exposure to sunlight gives me so many benefits.
HOW MINDFULNESS WALKS HELPED GROUND ME
I recently took a much-needed break and went to Mexico. I was in need of a change of scenery, warm sunlight, and the ocean. Life felt like I was a hamster on a wheel and couldn’t get off. I was drained from a contract that was taking a toll on my confidence and self-esteem. Two big ass red flags, but money was talking and I was listening. I ended that contract because I was aware of the negative impacts it was having on me and I’ve come too far to let a job or money make me feel inadequate when I know I am fully capable. Remembering to choose yourself first is always key!
During my trip to Mexico, I took off a day from work and went to this amazing private beach club. The beach was not crowded so I could really enjoy everything in a relaxed environment. I was able to leave all my shit around and enjoy the beach without any worries.
While at the beach club, I took a mindfulness walk. This was also my first solo trip. (Add that anxiety on top of the existing work stress that I was trying to get over.) Wow, I love to challenge myself! LOL.
On my walk, I queued up some chill music and took in all the beauty around me. Looking at the ocean and knowing it is a gift from the Earth and universe instantly eased my nerves. I immediately realized how small my world is and I had to check myself (something I do on the regular). I could not allow myself to get so caught up in the day-to-day things that I miss out on how big and beautiful this world really is. That day, I remembered there are so many things to be grateful for. Hello! I am alive and living. I dug my feet deep into the sand and felt really connected to the Earth. This mindfulness walk, like others, was all about being present and leaving the bullshit behind.
I’m a water sign – the best one if you ask me (Scorpio) and have always been drawn to the water. I went for a swim and thanked the universe for the gift of the ocean and the sand. It felt like cleansing and renewal. The ocean has amazing healing effects and I also can really really be with my own thoughts out there. The beach in Mexico had a lot of seaweed, but watching how the ocean was clearing out the seaweed and pushing it on the beach was really something to see and take in. This massive body of water was naturally cleansing itself. I was in awe watching this. When I left the beach that day I had such a sense of calm in my body and mind. I felt refreshed and ready to refocus.
Since I’ve been back, I’ve gotten myself on a morning routine of yoga and meditation.
What has your mindfulness walks allowed you to tap into?
