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Mindful Walking

Mindful Meditation Walking

Practicing mindfulness while walking can be a wonderful way to cultivate awareness and presence in your daily life.

I will be going out later this morning – starting my mindful walking today, I am investing in a practice that promotes overall well-being. It’s a step towards a healthier, more balanced life, where the connection between body and mind is nurtured and celebrated. Take it one step at a time.

Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:

  1. Choose a Location: Find a quiet and safe place to walk where you won’t be disturbed. It could be a park, a garden, or simply around your neighborhood.
  2. Begin with Intention: Before you start walking, take a moment to set your intention for the practice. You might want to cultivate awareness, find peace, or simply enjoy the present moment.
  3. Start Walking Slowly: Begin to walk at a slow and comfortable pace. Pay attention to the sensation of your feet touching the ground with each step.
  4. Focus on Your Breath: As you walk, bring your attention to your breath. Notice the inhalation and exhalation as you move. You can synchronize your breath with your steps if it helps you stay focused.
  5. Engage Your Senses: Tune into your surroundings using your senses. Notice the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations around you. Pay attention to the details of your environment without judgment.
  6. Stay Present: It’s natural for your mind to wander, but whenever you notice your thoughts drifting, gently bring your focus back to the present moment and the sensations of walking.
  7. Observe Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels as you walk. Notice the movement of your muscles, the shifting of your weight, and any sensations of tension or relaxation.
  8. Practice Gratitude: As you walk, cultivate a sense of gratitude for the ability to move and experience the world around you. Appreciate the beauty and richness of the present moment.
  9. Set a Time Limit: You can practice mindfulness walking for any duration that feels comfortable to you, whether it’s just a few minutes or longer. Set a timer if you like, or simply walk until you feel ready to stop.
  10. Reflect Afterwards: After you’ve finished walking, take a moment to reflect on your experience. Notice any changes in your mood, mindset, or awareness. Consider how you can carry this sense of mindfulness into other aspects of your life.

Remember, mindfulness is a skill that develops with practice, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey of self-discovery and presence.

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

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Good Thoughts Day

Each morning, send yourself love for the entire day and be sure to collect that love along the way.

It’s easy to get down in the dumps when things go wrong, and that bad mood can really spiral out of control and affect our lives for days to come. Similarly, when we feel bad about ourselves, we tend to act in ways that have negative consequences, which can create a vicious cycle of negativity that can last for days.

It’s important to feel your feelings and be genuine, but you don’t have to let yourself get completely bogged down in a dark mood or feelings of self-doubt. In fact, the more you accept your darkness as a part of who you are, the easier it will be to accept your light. So, try this: for the next 24 hours, send yourself some good vibes. Tell yourself that you’re capable, that you’re loved, and that you’re going to be okay. It might not seem like much, but it can make a big difference.

If you’re feeling down or having a bad day, it’s okay to acknowledge those feelings. But don’t let them consume you. Remember that things can and will change, and you can still have a good day, or a good week if you take the time to visualize those moments for yourself. Picture yourself doing something you enjoy, or spending time with someone who makes you happy. Focus on the positive, and you’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel.

Here were my essentials for creating a positive and productive learning environment as a former teacher:

  • Every morning before I walked into the classroom, I would check my tolerance level. How much crap can I put up with today? I would write it down on a post-it note so my co-teachers could see how I was doing. That way, if a student started acting up, one of them could step in and help me out. Or, if I was really feeling overwhelmed, they would let me take a walk and let someone else handle the situation.
  • Then, there were days when we were all at our lowest tolerance levels, including the students. That’s when you put on some rock and roll and just let loose! It always helped to improve our moods and get us through the day. We could then have a fantastic day of learning about the curriculum and, most importantly, about ourselves.

Here’s something you can do before you even get out of bed in the morning: send good vibes to yourself all the way through to the next morning! As you picture your day, take the time to fill in the details – where you’re going, who you’ll see, what you’ll do – and send love and good wishes to yourself, as well as everyone you encounter. It’ll be like arriving in a new place and finding that an old friend has sent a bouquet of flowers from back home to welcome you and remind you that you’re loved.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl