Mindful Morning đ¶ 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 donât brace ourselvesâand tense upâin an effort to stay warm. An additional bonus is that the extra daylight boosts serotonin, the hormone that triggers feelings of happiness and optimism.Â
This month, I want you to build on the advantages this time of year offer. The best way to do that is be Mindful.Â
Mindfulness is not a âdoingâ. Itâs not something you set aside 30 minutes to âpracticeâ. Mindfulness is a way of living. You can be Mindful anytime, anywhere, whether youâre alone or with others.Â
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-Zinnâs definition, which helps. But to be truly Mindfulâthis is the hard partâyou 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 youâll 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?Â
When you take your dog for their morning walk, make that a Mindful walk. Look at your surroundings as if itâs the first time youâve ever seen them. In my next blog Iâll be writing about five ways to notice.
One final thought. On those Mindful walks, pay particular attention to your dog. Theyâre the best teachers of Mindfulness I know!
Until next time, enjoy each moment.
Linda