Our

Weekly Whimsy

With love,  Angela Schmidt

Go outside and let nature be your guide.  You will find it quite soothing when walking, letting nature set the pace.

As you do so, add a touch of mindfulness and a dash of playful creativity to this time.  You can do this while walking your neighborhood, on the paths and trails.  Turn your walk into a beautiful, relaxing experience.

Think of these walks as more than movement and exercise, but as a journey to connect, explore and create.

Here are four mindful ideas with a twist, as you enjoy your walks:

1. The Five Senses Walk
As you walk, pause now and then to notice:

• What do I see around me?
   
• What do I hear?
   
• What do I smell?
   
• What do I feel on my skin, under my shoes or under my feet?
   
• Is there anything I can safely taste, like mint or wild berries?

Allow and enjoy the experience to pull you into the moment, one sense at a time.

2. Soundtrack Strolls
Create a personal walking playlist with soft acoustic tunes, nature sounds, or music that energizes you.  Let it guide your pace or match the mood of your surroundings.  Or walk in complete silence and tune into the soundtrack of nature itself.

3. Texture & Pattern Photo Walk
Bring your phone or camera along.  Look for textures and patterns in nature that you can take pictures of, such as:

• Tree bark
   
• Leaf veins
   
• Flower petals
   
• Shadows and light
   
• Cracks in the sidewalk
   

As you look around, notice what draws your eye.  You are capturing art, not just images.

4. Word Walk
Choose a word before you go for your walk.  Words like bloom, flow, wonder, or open, etc.  Let this word shape your attention.

What shows up when you walk with that word in your mind?

This week, choose a path or trail you love, or want to discover.  Give your walk a gentle and enjoyable purpose.  

It can be a:

• Weekly “reset” walk.
   
• Theme walk guided by your senses.
   
• Creative walk to spark ideas.
   
• A photo walk solo, with a loved one or friend.
   

Let your walk become something you look forward to and make it an enjoyable part of your life.

Here is an easy and refreshing drink for your walk or as you relax after your walk:

Mint-Lime Cucumber Water
 

Infuse a mason jar or water bottle with:
 

• A few slices of cucumber
• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• A wedge of lime

Enjoy!

Here are a couple of questions to think about and maybe journal on

1.  What does it feel like to slow down and simply walk?  Try not to rush, plan, or multitask.

2.  What might your mind and heart want to say when you give them this kind of space?

Walk in awe as you witness all these miracles!

May your walks become a journey of awe, inspiration, love, joy, and whimsy!