Mindful Morning 🐶 Walks

Hi there, and welcome back,

The lighter mornings, longer evenings and warmer temperatures allow us to relax. We can step outside without bundling up first, and once out we don’t brace ourselves—and tense up—in an effort to stay warm. An additional bonus is that the extra daylight boosts serotonin, the hormone that triggers feelings of happiness and optimism. 

This month, I want you to build on the advantages this time of year offer. The best way to do that is be Mindful. 

Mindfulness is not a ‘doing’. It’s not something you set aside 30 minutes to ‘practice’. Mindfulness is a way of living. You can be Mindful anytime, anywhere, whether you’re alone or with others. 

Jon Kabat-Zinn, the leading proponent of Mindful living, describes Mindfulness as paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and without judgment. Most people focus on the first two parts of Kabat-Zinn’s definition, which helps. But to be truly Mindful—this is the hard part—you have to stop judging, comparing, ordering what you experience. Just let each moment seep into your conscious in all its delicious detail, just as it is.

Of course I hope you’ll try being more Mindful whenever you remember. But to make sure you have at least one daily dose of this wonderful mood-enhancer, may I make a request? 

When you take your dog for their morning walk, make that a Mindful walk. Look at your surroundings as if it’s the first time you’ve ever seen them. In my next blog I’ll be writing about five ways to notice.

One final thought. On those Mindful walks, pay particular attention to your dog. They’re the best teachers of Mindfulness I know!

Until next time, enjoy each moment.

Linda