Walking with Awareness: A Simple Practice for Deeper Connection

Walking with awareness is an easy way to be more mindful outdoors.

In our fast-paced world, walking often becomes just a means of getting from one place to another. But what if walking could be a mindful practice, one that deepens your connection to nature, enhances your awareness, and grounds you in the present moment? Walking with awareness transforms an ordinary walk into a sensory experience, allowing you to engage with the world more fully. 

Walking with awareness means removing your ear buds to tune into the sights and sounds of our more-than-human kin. It means stopping to smell the flowers, to touch the tree bark, to listen to morning birdsong.

One way to enhance mindful walking is by practicing a concept known as "hiking with hands." This concept encourages using your hands to explore the textures, temperatures, and shapes of the natural world as you walk. Instead of just looking at nature, gently run your fingers along tree bark, dip your hand into a cool stream, feel the smoothness of a stone, or let the wind pass through your fingertips. Engaging touch adds another layer to your awareness and can deepen your appreciation of the environment. 

How to Practice Walking with Awareness 

1. Walk slowly, paying attention to each step. Feel the Earth as each part of your foot connects with her.  

2. Breathe deeply and observe your surroundings. Focus on your breath and how it feels to do so while outdoors.

3. Use your hands to explore textures and temperatures. Touching tree bark is a safe and easy way to get started with this concept.

4. Listen to the sounds of nature without distraction. Keep that cell phone tucked away and enjoy tapping into the wood-wide-web.

By incorporating awareness and touch into your walks, you transform them into a richer, more grounding experience that connects you more deeply to both yourself and the world around you.