In the busy city life it can be hard to find any quiet moments that feel real. With cars blaring and crowds moving everywhere along with tall buildings all around it can feel tough to find a quiet spot. Mindful walking is a simple and powerful way to practice being present even when you are surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city.
Mindful walking is about paying attention to how you walk and noticing each step along with what you feel in your body. In a city setting, the practice becomes something different. It takes a bit more effort but gives you a chance to really connect with the city's vibe in a deep and thoughtful manner.
Pick a path that you really mean to take.
Start your journey by picking a path that helps you think and reflect. This doesn’t mean you have to look for the calmest street or the greenest road. In fact it’s the other way around. Living in a city with all its different sights and sounds can help you be more aware of the present moment. Choose a way that has different things to see and hear. Maybe it goes through a park or near a busy café or even by a famous spot in the city. Choosing a route with different sights makes your walk more engaging and helps you stay focused on what’s happening around you by providing new things to see.
Get involved with everything you can feel see hear and smell.
City life is full of different sights and sounds if we just pay attention to what's around us. While you walk pay attention to how your feet feel with every step. Notice the way they touch the ground the way they move and how your weight shifts. Pay attention to the noises happening nearby. Pay attention to the noise of cars the bits of chatter around you or the faint music in the background and let them fill your mind. Take in the smells coming from the food stands or the flowers by the store. Look around and pay attention to the interesting shapes of the buildings and the lively looks on people's faces. Focus on what you feel right now to keep yourself grounded.
Air and Motion
Breathing and moving are key parts of any mindfulness routine. Breathe in as you take a few steps then breathe out as you keep moving. Breathing in a steady way can help you concentrate and also calm your nerves making it easier to relax even when things are hectic around you. Pay attention to how your breathing connects with your body and everything happening around you to form a smooth rhythm.
Take on the difficulties of city life.
The city can be surprising and the things you find there can be just as unexpected. Walking in the city while being mindful helps you learn to adjust to different situations. Take on the tough moments like the surprise turns in the road the rain that comes out of nowhere or the street performers who pop up and change your plans. Rather than pushing against what happens, try to use those moments to enhance your awareness. Pay attention to how you feel stop judging yourself and focus on what is happening right now.
Thinking back and feeling thankful
Finish your walk by taking a little time to think about what you just experienced. Look for a bench or a calm place in the park where you can take a break. Think about what you saw and felt while you were walking. Think about the feelings you experienced and how your body reacted. End by appreciating the unique and beautiful aspects of the city that helped you in your work.
Strolling through the city with awareness turns the ordinary act of walking into something much deeper and more meaningful. It turns into a quest for finding calm in the middle of all the noise showing us that we can always find some peace even in the busiest parts of town.
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