Meditation can mean different things to different people. While sitting in stillness, utilizing mudras, and chanting mantras or affirmations is certainly one way to quiet the mind, it’s not for everyone. In fact, research shows it can even backfire and increase anxiety in some people.
Luckily, traditional meditation isn’t the only way to achieve greater mental clarity. When you consider that cardiovascular exercise also promotes mental wellness and nature increases our overall feelings of happiness, combining these into a walking meditation seems like a natural next step.
As the weather warms and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to encourage people to exercise outdoors, consider hiking as a form of meditation. Not only will it get your blood pumping, but it will also quiet your mind and help you connect more deeply with nature.