What do we mean by ‘mindful’? In a nutshell, it is taking time to slow down and appreciate what is around us. In a busy world it is easy to get lost in the rush and hustle and bustle. Hectic lives lead to chaotic minds, which can affect our mental health. The NHS support the fact that taking some time out each day to be ‘mindful’ - paying more attention to the present moment and your thoughts and feelings - can improve your mental wellbeing.
Being mindful on the Thames Path is easy, as there are so many things you can look at, touch, smell and hear.
Check out the ideas below for inspiration!
- Bench time. Find a spot to sit for a few minutes. Breath in the fresh air and allow the nature around you to sink in. What can you see? Hear? Smell? Focusing on these things for a few minutes each day pushes others stresses from your mind.
- Take a sensory walk – what can you feel under your feet? Is it crunchy, or smooth? What can you smell? Can you hear birds or animals, or leaves rustling? Or perhaps there are cars in the distance, or the sound of rowers splashing in the water? Run your fingers across surfaces you pass – what do their textures feel like?
- Seek out different lights. Are you in shade, shadow or bright sunlight? How does each make you feel? Can you seek out a warmer area? What patterns are the shadows around you making?
- Water shimmer – find a spot to sit and watch the river for a few minutes. How is the light bouncing on the surface? Can you see any patterns in the flow of the water? Can you hear the water moving and splashing?
- Natural soundtrack – listen to the sounds around you and try to isolate them one at a time. Then allow them to merge back together and think how they complement each other.
