I dreaded meditation exercises for years until I figured out my morning walks actually were meditations.

I just get double the benefit; mindfulness or mind clearing, plus a bit of exericise.

This is just one of the exercises we use in our “Moving Forward Focus Walks” for people with ADD/ADHD to give the brain a break while reviving the body.

That’s why I loved this article on the topic from the Huffington Post by Danny  Katherine Dreyer.

Exerpted from: Walking as Meditation: Quiet Your Mind as You Improve Your Health

” . . . Walking’s innumerable health benefits have been well-researched and documented. From a reduction in heart disease, cancer and diabetes to increased mental cognition to an overall sense of well being, walking 4-5 times a week for 30-60 minutes improves the quality of your life. When you add conscious awareness and focus you have a recipe for an even more profound transformation.

One of the goals of meditating is to tame the mind’s wanderings. In today’s world there are so many distractions and so much to keep up with on a daily basis. Giving the mind time to rest is crucial for it to function optimally. Generally, the mind jumps from one subject to another, like a monkey jumping from branch to branch, losing its focus and often entering the dangerous territory of fear and negativity. Meditation brings the mind back to the here and now and to a singular, calming focus. . .”

The article includes 10 steps to keep you internally focused to “create a sense of ritual and sanctity around your walking sessions”.