Monthly Mindful Walk
Open to all. No experience or special equipment required.
Location
Joan M. Hardle Memorial Arboretum
5051 Treetop Circle Murray, UT 84107About this event
** Photo de Dembee Tsogoo sur Unsplash
Next Mindful Walk
Friday June 27th 10 -11am
Arboretum - Murray Park, UT
Meeting point:
Hello my friends,
For our monthly walk, we will walk the arboretum in Murray Park. I'll will wait for you on the parking lot near the pool. Make sure to park next to it via Vine St. Hope to see you there!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zgvbHwRDCxtveUzz9
What is Mindful Walking?
As an adult, we walk an average of 3 500 steps a day. Everyday. So, we all know what is it to walk. But what is it to walk mindfully? The simple definition of being mindful is to bring close attention to our whole experience (inner and outer) in the present moment just as it is. Walk mindfully means walking with intention, bringing our awareness to our unique experience as it unfolds in the present moment surrounded by a specific environment. It means being at the center of our life. To be fully available to what is happening right here, right now. More specifically, we use our capacity to be an observer of life, bringing our focused attention to our bodily sensations, our breathing, our feelings and emotions, thoughts and beliefs without getting drawn by the pull of our fantastic illusions that are just happening in our head or our preferences.For almost three years now I guide this simple Mindful Walks in public parks and natural places in Salt Lake valley.
The purpose of these walks is to take a moment to slow down and to walk with intention, bringing our awareness to our unique experience as it unfolds in the present moment. Taking the time to be at the center of our life. More specifically, during these walks, we use our capacity to be an observer of life, bringing our focused attention to our bodily sensations, our breathing, our feelings and emotions, thoughts and beliefs without getting drawn by the pull of our fantastic illusions that are just happening in our head or our preferences.
Once gathered at our meeting point, I usually propose a theme and a mindful practice to explore while walking. Then, we walk. Simply.
Previously weekly, we now walk once a month generally on the third Friday mornings of each month from 10 am to 11 am. I usually post the details about our meeting point on the previous days.
I hope you'll join us for an immersive experience with Nature.
** About dogs **
Our program is designed with specific walking prompts and multiple stops where we will reflect on our mindfulness practice. Mindful Walking needs to be done without dogs.
Benefits of Mindful Walking
We all know the benefits of walking. And, intuitively, we know the benefits of being in nature. We can feel it. And we are right! Many studies now show that practicing mindfulness in a natural setting can:
- Restore and maintain our global physical health
- Boost our energy level and enhance vitality
- Reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health
- Increase relaxation and aid sleep
- Strengthen our immune system function
- Restore cognitive fatigue and increase focused thinking
- Reduce stress and tension
- Improve mood and decrease rumination
- Lower anxiety levels and reduce depression
- Increase traits of self-trust and self-acceptance
- Improve interpersonal relationships
Brief, mindfulness increases our happiness and our overall quality of life!