Did you know every Postcard Cabin location has nearby nature trails and hikes?
In the event that traditional *close your eyes and empty your mind* meditation isn’t for you – perhaps brining in elements of meditation (like mindfulness) while walking in nature, might be.
The beauty of staying off the grid is being able to slow down enough to find peace and calm in every moment.
And what better way to feel present that than while walking in nature?
Whether it’s an onsite nature trail or nearby hike, make the most of your off grid experience by immersing in nature, mindfully.
But first, the benefits.
Other than just being simply enjoyable, there are so many benefits to taking a walking meditation…
Physical & Mental Health Boost
Moving your body and breathing fresh air is good for your physical and mental health.
If your body felt cranky or mind cluttered from a long work week, a walk in nature will do wonders.
Lower Stress
Spending time in nature allows you to feel more grounded and connected which lowers your stress levels.
If you’ve been burning the candle at both ends, connecting with nature will recharge you.
Enhance Creativity
Being amongst and noticing the beauty in nature triggers inspiration and awakens creativity.
If you’ve been feeling low on creative ideas, there’s something about following your curiosity in nature that opens up a whole new world of inspiration.
More Gratitude
By taking the time to connect with yourself in nature, you naturally begin to feel gratitude for that experience.
If you’ve been in a rut, the genuine feeling of gratitude is one of the fastest ways to seek clarity and shift any feelings that aren’t serving you any longer.
Ok, so now for the how…
Taking a walking meditation is honestly not much more complicated than enjoying quiet, curious time in nature.
(Tip: before you head out, put your phone in the Postcard Cabins lock box to stay fully present)
At the start of your walk, begin by taking a big deep breath in. And then big exhale out. Feel free to do this at any time throughout your walk.
Then start walking while allowing your senses to be at the forefront of your experience.
Here are 4 questions you can ask yourself while you walk:
What do you hear?
Do you notice birds chirping? Wind or leaves rustling? The sound of your footsteps?
What do you see?
What colors do you notice that may indicate the season? Do you see water or wildlife?
What can you smell?
Do you notice any specific aromas in the air? Are there flowers you can stop to smell?
What can you touch?
While obviously being mindful of things like cacti or poison ivy, can you touch a leaf or tree? Maybe a rock? Is there moss you can gently place your hands on?
The more immersed and present you become in nature, the more connected you will feel, and the more benefits you will receive.
Keep in mind, there is no right or wrong. The intention is to practice mindfulness and awareness, not perfection.
Once you get back to your cabin, consider reflecting on your experience in a journal with a few simple questions –
- What did you enjoy the most while walking in nature?
- In what ways do you feel different now vs. when you started?
- What are you grateful for right now?
Now that you’re grounded and recharged, don’t forget to bring these practices with you when you head home so you can reconnect with nature anytime you need it.