A Simple Path to Better Health
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Alex from The Mindful Walker on the Healthy Home Show Podcast in this weeks Episode 6! Our conversation delved into the transformative power of mindful walking and how reconnecting with nature and integrating simple, mindful practices into our daily routines can significantly enhance both our mental and physical wellbeing.
Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:
Mindful Walking: What It’s All About
During our chat, Alex explained that mindful walking isn’t about formal meditation. Instead, it’s about being fully present during a walk—no earbuds, no distractions—just you and your surroundings. This simple practice helps our overstimulated brains by providing a much-needed break from the constant noise of life.
Alex shared that mindful walking brings together three essential elements: mindfulness, physical movement, and nature exposure. When combined, these create a powerful effect that can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and decrease the risk of various diseases. It’s a natural, accessible way to improve our overall wellbeing.
The W.A.L.K. Formula
Alex introduced me to her W.A.L.K. formula, a simple guide to incorporating mindful walking into our daily routines. The formula stands for Walk or Wander, Attune, Let Go, and Keep It Up. It’s all about moving your body, tuning into your surroundings, letting go of the worries that clutter your mind, and maintaining consistency with the practice. Over time, as Alex mentioned, this can become a habit that we not only enjoy but crave.
The Healing Power of Nature
We also talked about the incredible impact that spending time in nature has on our health. Alex pointed out that even just stepping outside your front door to see a tree or some grass can have profound benefits. There’s scientific evidence that time spent in green spaces can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve mental health. We also touched on the concept of “soft fascination,” which describes how our brains are naturally drawn to the sights and sounds of nature, helping to combat the modern epidemic of attention fatigue.
Embracing All Weather
Living in the UK, where rain is a frequent companion, I was curious about how to keep up with mindful walking in less-than-ideal weather. Alex encouraged me not to shy away from it. She suggested embracing walking in the rain, noting that it offers a unique sensory experience. If venturing out isn’t possible, simply sitting by a window and observing the rain can provide a moment of mindfulness.
Practical Tools for Mindful Walking
Alex has developed some fantastic tools to support mindful walking. One of them is the Simple Path Card Deck, which includes 52 different mindful walks or activities. This deck is designed to keep walks engaging and help deepen the practice. For those new to mindful walking, her book The Mindful Walker provides a comprehensive guide filled with practical advice and beautiful nature illustrations.
The Impact of Mindful Walking
Through her work, Alex has seen firsthand how spending more time in nature can deepen our connection with the environment and foster a greater desire to protect it. She highlighted a statistic from the EPA that says we spend 93% of our lives indoors, which can create a sense of separation from the natural world. By making a conscious effort to reduce that separation and reconnect with nature, we can nurture a deeper appreciation for the earth.
I Love a Statistic
As a note, did you know that people in the Western world spend 93% of their lives indoors? It’s a startling statistic that highlights just how important it is to make time for nature. Also, regular walking can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 31% and reduce the likelihood of premature death by 32%, according to the American Heart Association. These facts make a compelling case for lacing up your shoes and stepping outside.
Final Thoughts
Mindful walking is a simple yet powerful practice that anyone can incorporate into their daily life. Whether you’re looking to improve mental clarity, reduce stress, or simply enjoy the outdoors more, this practice offers accessible and profound benefits. As Alex beautifully put it, “It’s cheap, it’s accessible, it’s easy—and it’s good for you.” If you’re ready to start your mindful walking journey, I encourage you to visit The Mindful Walker website to access a free 10-minute guided walk or explore the Simple Path Card Deck and The Mindful Walker book. You can also follow Alex’s channel over on Youtube. She’s not a fan of social media otherwise I would be posting more links for her. Embrace the simplicity of mindful walking and begin your path to better health today!
I hope you have enjoyed hearing about how Movement can affect our health in this week’s episode. If you are interested in diving into the other 11 concepts that create a Healthy Home and Lifestyle, there’s loads more info on my website – www.charlielemmer.com
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Be WELL
Charlie x
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