Recently at a women’s retreat, I guided a walking meditation to create peace and embrace spring’s arrival. We took time to center ourselves with a few deep diaphragmatic breaths, letting go of muscle tension by visualizing it draining into the earth and pulling energy from the heavens with upward sweeping arm movements.

The walk around a pond was in silence to allow each of us to absorb nature’s beauty, find our natural body rhythm, and focus on mindfulness… being so perfectly in the present moment that mind chatter simply drifts on by.

We paused on a small dock facing the pond, with the wind blowing through our hair, the sunlight filtering through the trees, and the sound of birds and insects filling the air. Meditative Tai Chi movements of bringing energy inward, as well as balancing our own energy centers created a sense of calm and relaxation. Everyone defined their pace on the silent stroll back around the pond, ending in a circle to honor each direction of earth with a poetic Native American reading.

Peace, renewal, spiritual connection, and rejuvenation were the key phrases shared to describe this meditative walk. The sense of calm and contentment lingered far beyond that meditative walk…such a simple act with such a powerful effect.

Create a new ritual. Take a meditative walk… let go of the day’s “to do” list and embrace the glories of nature. Use all your senses with a clear intention to listen, look, feel, taste, and smell the world around you! It will create a profound sense of calm and peace within your mind, body, and spirit! Give yourself this gift… you deserve it!

Be well! Peace!
Denise