A Mindfulness Walk With God
Claudia Graf
MA, LPCA
5/17/2022
I am walking along Congaree River with the sun on my skin, a light breeze in my hair, admiring the dancing patterns on the ground as the sunlight shines through the trees and I am taking in the smell of fresh-cut grass nearby. I am quietly talking to God in my thoughts while admiring the beauty in his creation all around me. Now, my heart is filled with peace, thankfulness, and joy, even though I felt sad when I started my walk an hour ago.
Jesus used to get away from the crowds and even his friends, the disciples, often. He was intentional about spending some alone time in nature to talk to his Father, for instance, while hiking up a mountain (Matthew 14:23). If Jesus, the Son of God, needed some time away from the busyness and stress of his life to spend time with his Father, how much more do we need it?
Even just a 30-minute walk a day reduces stress and anxiety levels, lowers your blood pressure, and helps fight depression. Mindfulness is another therapeutic technique that can be combined with a walk, much like a form of meditation but while you are moving. It is about being fully present in the moment and noticing and accepting one’s thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment. Pick a trail or park or even walk in your own neighborhood. Before you begin, stand still for a moment and focus on your breathing. As you walk, be mindful of your surroundings and pay attention to your five senses and how your body feels as you move. How does it feel in your feet, legs, chest, arms, and head as you walk at a comfortable steady pace? Take in all the beauty you can see surrounding you, even that little bug you would not have seen otherwise, or the fascinating structure of a leaf and the various shades of green. What are some things you can smell on different parts of your walk? Now shift your attention to listening carefully to the sounds like the wind in the trees, the pitter-patter of the waves, different birds singing, and people talking. You might want to bring some hard candy or gum with you to use your sense of taste and pay close attention to its flavor and texture. Return to paying attention to your breathing. You could continue by praying and telling God what is on your mind and thanking him for all this beauty he created.
Mindfulness takes practice and praying to God in your thoughts or out loud while walking in nature might feel awkward at first, but it will get easier with practice. If you get distracted, just refocus on your breathing. You will likely find yourself feeling more calm, relaxed, and energized after your walk and a closer connection to your Creator. Enjoy your walk!