I want to debunk something right off that bat.

Understandably, people tend to think that a nature walking meditation can only be done on a nature trail, hike, or some other overtly natural place.

And that isn’t true.

You can take a walking meditation, while experiencing nature, right out of your front door.

🎧 Listen to my free 20 minute Nature Walking Meditation audio 🎧

Is it really nice to stroll through a wildlife preserve? Absolutely.

Is that ideal? If available.

But you can access nature – and the benefits connecting with it offers – anywhere.

Nature is all around us, even when it might not feel that way.

In fact, I might argue that a more advanced level of taking a nature walking meditation would be on a busy city street.

(Similar to how many would argue a slow flow yoga class is more advanced than a rapid power vinyasa class. Slowing down, enduring moments of stillness, and being truly present, are much more challenging than rushing through the motions).

To be able to tune out the distractions and tune in to the natural elements around you, is a practice.

About 5 years ago, I had a nature walk that changed my life.

I was sitting at my computer, burnt out.

Feeling like I was free flying on someone else’s roller coaster.

Untethered and unsure of even how I even felt.

Disconnected and uninspired. Aimless and anxious.

And something in me said: go for a walk in nature.

I had obviously been on walks in nature before, but this one was different —

It was in the middle of a workday and even though I was “busy”, something told me that I needed to get away from the computer and get outside.

And when I stepped into nature, everything changed. I instantly felt like I had come back to myself.

I became receptive to the sights and sounds around me.

Aware of my feet flat, connected to the earth.

Was breathing deeper and thinking more clearly.

And in that moment, it was clear that this practice of spending time in nature was vital for not just my mental health, but the health, and sustainability, of my creativity, too.

It’s my wish for you to feel — in your own experience — the value of nature’s role in your life.

Benefits of a Walking Meditation in Nature

Other than it just being incredibly enjoyable, here are 3 reasons you should consider taking walking meditations in nature:

Health

Taking time away from work or the business of life to gently move your body and breathe fresh air is good for your immune system, mental health, and overall clarity.

I know that anytime I step away from my to do list and get outside, it always feels good.

The mental clutter literally melts as I walk. I feel like my physical and mental (and spiritual?) batteries are getting a recharge from the elements.

Gratitude

Practicing mindfulness in nature and engaging with your senses allows you to slow down and feel a deeper sense of connection to the natural world.

And from what I’ve experienced, this translates to feeling more connected with myself, others, and the planet.

There seems to be a direct correlation with the closer I am to nature, the higher capacity I have to be more empathetic, understanding, and grateful to those around me.

Nature gives me perspective, and that’s a valuable tool I bring into my everyday life.

Creativity

Walking in nature with no agenda other than to following your curiosity expands your awareness to possibility, allows you to receive inspiration, and awakens your creativity.

Anytime I feel flat or uninspired, it’s generally because I haven’t been outside enough lately.

And luckily, it’s an easy fix.

When I spend a consistent amount of time in nature, creative ideas are far more abundant.

I can’t even count the number of times I’ve had to stop to brain dump a full thought that just dropped into my mind as I was on a walk or sitting in nature.

Something I may have been ruminating over for hours or days, just arrives so effortlessly.

And TBH, most of the time I come back more productive and efficient with my time. So the hour spent in nature, wasn’t even really an hour lost at all.

How take a Walking Meditation in Nature

Take a walk outside, curiously and quietly.

That’s mostly it.

If your intention is to be fully immersed in the experience, leave your dog, friend, podcast, and music at home.

Whether it’s 5 minutes or an hour, a natural trail or busy street, use this time to be intentional.

Take notice and enjoy the natural elements around you:

• Can you stop to look at something a little longer that catches your eye?
• Are there any aromas in your environment that you can stop to smell?
• Behind the car horns and sirens, can you hear the birds chirping?
• Is there an interesting texture of a rock or plant that you can touch?

You might find that you naturally begin to take deeper breaths.

Allow yourself to feel gratitude for everything you’re able to experience, right here, right now. No matter how big or small.

The intention is to practice mindfulness and awareness. Not perfection.

And I find doing so through the lens of nature, has the most potent benefits.

The more you practice, the more it becomes second nature.

And the more you will begin to find yourself taking a deep breath and tuning in to nature, every time you step outside.

➡️ Have you ever taken a walking meditation or mindful walk in nature? What benefits have you noticed? Let me know in the comments!

Need some guidance? Get my free 20-minute Nature Walking Meditation audio to listen to while you walk.

Follow me on Instagram at @meredithewenson for more mindfulness in nature, the best hikes in Rhode Island, and more to get you outdoors.