I’m not one to sit cross legged, be still and meditate.
For me, walking is a simple way I meditate. It connects me to my spirit and the earth in a very grounded way. Walking outdoors in the fresh air is wonderful for our health and our spirit for as we walk, we connect with the earth.
I prefer walking on the grass, but in the wet, it can get soggy. But even when walking on concrete, the earth is still beneath us, supporting us. Walking lets our body remember simpler times, when life was less complicated. Instead of running from place to place or thinking about how much more we can fit into the day, walking gets me present to the moment.
Each step we take can lead us to becoming more mindful of ourselves, our feelings and our surroundings. Walking slows us down enough to pay attention to where we are in our body and also to our breath. Taking time to simply notice our breath while we walk, through the length of our inhales and exhales, and becoming attuned to the way in which we breathe is taking a step towards mindfulness. When we become more mindful, we increase our awareness of the environment around us and start to recognise the flow of our thoughts and feelings are not always related to where we are in the present moment. Gradually we realise the connection we have with the earth and the ground beneath our feet is all that is. By walking and practicing breathing mindfully we gain a sense of calm and tranquillity—the problems and troubles of the day fade because we are in the "now".
The simplicity and ease of regular walking allows us to create time, space and awareness of our surroundings and of the wonders and beauty that lie within.