Fall is a wonderful time for walking - cooler temperatures, changing leaves, the slower pace that comes as nature prepares for Winter. I remember Sunday walks after church as a child. We would stroll to the duck pond in our Sunday clothes with stale bread, waving at neighbors as we passed their homes, often stopping to visit in a front yard or over a fence. Once in a while we went as a family and sometimes just the girls; as I got older I walked alone. They were quiet walks, more rest and connection than exercise. When I was in college, I would walk the same route in the evenings with my mother for a time.

Meditative walking can be a restorative practice, a time to think or to clear and quiet your mind. Focusing on the breath while walking mindfully has been shown to improve cognitive ability and mental health, similar to a seated or more formal meditative practice. It requires no special equipment or clothing and can be done multiple times a day as a break in your busy life. Meditative walking can also be done with your dog (or dogs) and provides a restful break for pets as well.

Adding something like a simple loving-kindness meditation to a walk, or using pre-recorded meditations as accompaniment can complement a meditative walk. If you are like me and prefer to just quiet your mind and focus on the world around you, that works too!

Take some time this Fall and try out meditative walking if you haven't before. It can be a great complement to your other self-care activities.

Additional Resources:

Positive Psychology
EatingWell