Mindful Walking

Hello, and welcome.

One of my favourite childhood stories is about a little girl eagerly waiting to celebrate her fifth birthday, which is on the following day. She’s an impatient child, so when a fairy appears to grant her a wish she asks for it to be her birthday now. The fairy grants the wish, but then asks the little girl if she’d like to see what she missed during the day she wished away. 

All sorts of wonderful things would have happened that now cannot—a visit from grandparents, a gift arriving from a special friend, a trip to the cinema. Regretfully, she vows never to wish away the present time in the hope of experiencing something better later.

How often do we fly through the day, our minds busily rehashing the past or planning for the future, thinking constantly about any time except now?  

The dog walk you take today will be unlike any other you’ve ever taken, or will ever experience again—even if you walk on the same path. 

Be aware of what happens when you take each walk, who else is out there, what’s going on, how much fun your dog is having.

When you focus fully on what’s happening right now, not only will you feel calmer and more centred, you’ll also find your memory improves. 

Until next week, happy dog walking!

Linda