A Year of Daily Inspirational Thoughts

Mindful Exercise

March 10

 

Mindful Exercise

Exercise or any kind of physical activity is a great place to practice mindfulness. Playing a sport requires you to pay attention.

If you already have an exercise program focus on your body, your movements, and your breathing. This focus will bring you into your body and into mindfulness.

Another option is to choose a mind/body exercise such as yoga or tai chi. These activities integrate the mind/body connection. Mindfulness is part of the movements as they require focus and paying attention.

Any physical activity will do. You can engage in a physical activity from walking, dancing, running, washing dishes, laundry, painting, coloring, playing an instrument.

The only requirements are that you are moving your body and focusing on those movements.

Here is a simple mindful walking exercise to get you started.

Mindful Walking

Find a place to walk

Find a pace that is normal and natural for you.

Bring your attention to your feet and lower legs.

Be aware of your movements of lifting your leg. Feel your feet contact with the ground. Be aware of your arm movements.

If a strong sensation, emotion or thought compels your attention, it can be helpful to stop, notice it until it passes, and then return to walking.

Walk about 5 minutes then change your pace, walk fast for 5 minutes, return to normal pace for 5 minutes, then slow for 5 minutes, then return once again to normal pace for 5 minutes.

Mindfulness can be applies to any physical activity from dancing, running, washing dishes, laundry, painting, coloring, to playing an instrument.

Any physical activity will do. The only requirements are that you are moving your body and focusing on those movements.

Engage in a Physically Activity Mindfully

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