Learn The Art of Mindfulness Walking at Scadbury Park

Introduction and Aim of Mindfulness Walking

Mindfulness walking, also known as mindful walking or walking meditation, is a form of meditation that involves walking in a slow and deliberate manner while maintaining a heightened awareness of the present moment. This practice is often used as a way to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and promote overall well-being. Mindfulness walking encourages individuals to focus on the sensations of walking, such as the feeling of their feet making contact with the ground, the rhythm of their breath, and the sights and sounds around them. By bringing attention to these experiences, individuals can cultivate a deeper connection with their body and surroundings, while also calming their minds and reducing stress. Mindfulness walking can be practiced alone or in groups and can be done in any location, making it a versatile and accessible form of meditation.

Step 1 Pick a Location for your Mindful Walk: Today’s Spot: Scadbury Park Chislehurst

For the casual weekend walker or morning jogger, Scadbury Park is a neat track trail. For the Mindfuln walker, it is far more than this.

Homework Task 1: Enrich your knowledge with the back story of your proposed Mindfulness Walk. I operate my Therapy Practice out of Chislehurst, so it only makes sense to locate my go-to Scadbury Park for this Mindfulness walk. Why the homework? The more we can enrich our environment, the more we can begin to be present within it. My Park of choice, Scudbury Park, has a rich and diverse back story, including Queen Elizabeth the 1st visit to the site in the 1500s.

Peace and Tranquility in South East London, Scadbury Park, Chislehurst

Mindfulness Preparation: The back story of your walk: Scadbury Park

Scadbury Park is a historic estate located in the town of Chislehurst, situated in the London Borough of Bromley, in southeast London. This 300-acre parkland is a remarkable site, boasting forest trails, open horse fields, and a moated manor that dates back to the 1200s. The history of the site is varied and intriguing stretching back to medieval times. The park is a treasure trove of archaeological sites, ancient woodlands, and rare species of flora and fauna.

Step 2 Plan A Route That Has Mindful Elements (Scadbury)

Choosing the right walking route through the forest is an essential part of preparing for a mindfulness walk. It’s important to find a path that is suitable for your level of fitness and experience, as well as one that will provide a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Look for trails with natural features such as streams or waterfalls to really enhance that mindfulness experience. Consider the time of day when planning your walk to avoid crowds or noisy areas. Additionally, try to find a route that allows you to unplug from technology and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, providing an opportunity to recharge and connect with yourself.

On my route, Scadbury has a circular track of approximately 2 miles, part forrest, slide by the moated manor, through some more wood until at the far end the swoop back to the start runs by grazing horses.

Step 3 Becoming Mindful In The Moment On Your Walk

For many of us, walking is a means to an end, from getting from A to B. During mindful walking, the journey is less about the destination and more about bringing awareness to this activity, while avoiding the “distracted autopilot” mode that we often find ourselves in.

For this trip, this is definitely one to leave the phone in the bag.

Mindful walking is a form of meditation that can be done anywhere, whether on a quiet country lane, a mountain top, or a bustling street. Scadbury Park offers a wood, medieval backdrop, and grazing horses. Whatever your trip, the trick is to turn it into your moving sanctuary.

The objective is to become in a state of appreciation, a simple experience like early morning sunlight hitting a dirty puddle on a city street can be just as significant as the setting sun in a mountain scene. In the book “Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World” by Professor Mark Williams and Dr. Danny Penman, they state that “Happiness is looking at the same things with different eyes,” and this is absolutely true.

Instead of viewing a walk to the local store or taking the dog out as an annoyance, it can become a restorative feast of the senses. Mindful walking involves paying attention to the sensations of the body, like how your feet feel, how the other muscles of your body compensate for changes in balance, and how your arms swing as you walk. It also requires becoming more aware of your surroundings, not just practically but with an open mind, enjoying the immediacy of the sights, sounds, and smells. It’s about opening up your senses and experiencing the present moment fully.

One of the great things about mindfulness walking is that it’s simple and can be done without any equipment or tools. All you need is somewhere to walk, and it can easily fit into your daily routine. Mindful walking is most successful when you are in the moment and fully present. So why not give it a try and see how it can improve your mental well-being and help you appreciate the beauty of the world around you?

The Benefits of Mindfulness Walking To Your Mental Health

1. Lowered stress: Mindfulness-based treatments have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression ¹. By focusing on the present moment and becoming aware of what’s going on inside and around you—your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and environment—you can observe these moments without judgment ¹. This can help lower stress levels.
2. Reduced rumination and overthinking: Mindfulness can help you “de-center” from thoughts that may cause rumination and overthinking ¹. By being able to sit on the riverbank and watch thoughts floating by like leaves on a stream, you can develop the skill of mindfulness which can help stop you from being pulled into any one thought and carried down the stream ¹.
3. Better attention span and focus: Mindfulness has been shown to improve attention span and focus ². By training yourself to focus on the present moment, you can avoid dwelling on things in the past or future that you can’t change ¹. This can help improve your attention span and focus.
4. Improved mood: Visiting a forest has been shown to improve mood ³. A stroll in the woods has also been shown to help combat depression ⁴. By immersing yourself in nature and mindfully using all five senses – touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste – you can experience many health benefits ⁵.
5. Enhanced psychological stress recovery: Studies have shown that visiting a forest can enhance psychological stress recovery ³. By spending time in nature, you can reduce stress and anxiety ⁴.