Reconnecting with Your Essential Nature through Walking.

You will find solace and clarity in the simplicity of Walking Meditation. There is nothing complex about it. This is my method and what I learned when I was at my lowest point. I knew intrinsically that I needed to be moving and that I needed to be with Mother Nature and I have broken it down into three stages as I experienced the transformation. It may be different for you however this is the foundation.

Walking is a powerful practice that can recalibrate, reclaim, and return you to your essential nature. It is a form of movement that not only upgrades your soul and spirit but also brings you to a place of love, joy, and infinite possibilities.

Walking Meditation will gradually awaken you to all of this and set you on a beautiful journey of returning to you. We have all heard of pilgrimages and the long journeys people take to a sacred place. This will become your pilgrimage to the sacred place of “YOU” in each and every step. As you walk, you will start to peel away the layers of daily life that obscure your true essence, revealing the vibrant core that has always been there, waiting to be rediscovered.

Each step is a reminder to be present, to breathe, and to embrace the moment with a heart full of gratitude.

What is Your Essential Nature?

Your essential nature is the core of who you are, beyond the roles, responsibilities, and expectations that life imposes upon you. It is the purest expression of your soul, heart, and spirit. For many, their essential nature is a reflection of their younger selves, the person they were before the world shaped them into something different. In my circumstances I was reshaped through my love of a narcissist. You may have experienced the same or your journey may hold a different truth. Whatever that may be Walking Meditation is a beautiful way to recalibrate. I know this with all my heart as it saved me.

Walking: A Path to Reconnection

Walking is a simple yet profound way to reconnect with your essential nature. As you walk, you leave behind the noise and distractions of modern life and immerse yourself in the present moment. Each step becomes a meditation, a journey inward to rediscover the person you were meant to be.

To begin your own Walking Meditation, you need only a few essentials: appropriate footwear, comfortable clothing, a hat to shield from the sun, water to stay hydrated, some food if planning a long walk and a notebook and pen to capture your reflections when you are ready. Choose a place that resonates with you—be it a forest, a park, the beach or even a quiet neighborhood street. I walked alone for hours so I would generally let a friend know where I was going and for approximately how long and then let them know when I was home. just in case.

1. Walking in Nature

Nature has a way of grounding and healing us like no other. We forget that we are part of nature and it is part of us and reconnecting to this is everything. Walk in natural settings whenever possible—through forests, along beaches, or in parks. The beauty and serenity of nature can help you reconnect with the wild, spirited, and courageous parts of yourself. Let the gentle rustle of leaves, bird song, and the whisper of the wind remind you of who you truly are. At this point there is nothing to do other than to walk.  You are returning to yourself and this can not be forced.  The beauty of this is that Mother Nature will show you the way. By simply being in her presence. you are doing the best thing for yourself.  Just walk my friends.  I would walk for many hours when I had the time, for example 2 hours in one direction and then 2 hours back. When I first began my mind was blank and sad. Movement was all that was required and Mother Nature took control of the rest.   She recalibrated me, grounded me and bought me back to life.

2. Mindful Walking

Eventually I began to notice the changes in the area I walked. Subtle and some not so subtle due to the change in season. I would spot native animal tracks, identify plants and flowers. I would remember rocks and trees and notice any differences within the landscape. I began to notice the change in the wind, smells and the energy that all of this created. I was plugging back into me, my senses heightened. I was recalibrating, Mother Nature was working her magic and her love was setting my essential nature free. Practice walking mindfully, paying attention to the sensations in your body and the world around you. Feel the ground beneath your feet, the rhythm of your breath, and the beat of your heart. Notice the sights, sounds, and smells that surround you. Let each step bring you closer to your essential nature and also to Mother Nature.

3.Reflective Walking

Use your walk as a time for reflection. Think about the qualities that defined you as a young child. How can you bring these qualities back into your life today? What steps can you take to live more authentically, aligned with your essential nature? Allow your walk to be a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Take a notebook with you, stop and write at any point to capture your feelings and thoughts to revisit later.  I have done this often and within my notes beautiful creative ideas have reached me as I walked. This is your essential nature returning to you. I also unraveled a lot of the trauma that I had experienced. I wrote about this, I cried about this, I talked to the trees and the rocks and the ocean about this. All part of the healing. I have also met amazing people doing the same, artists, writers adventurous souls. This ensures you that you are not alone and we are all on a pilgrimage that is right for us.

Embracing Your Essential Nature

Reconnecting with your essential nature is not a one-time event but an ongoing practice. It requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to let go of what no longer serves you. As you continue to walk and reflect, you will find yourself becoming more aligned with your true self.

Living Authentically

Living authentically means embracing all parts of yourself, including the wild, spirited, and courageous aspects. It means being kind and gentle with yourself, honoring your truth and your dreams and aspirations, and living with love and joy. As you reconnect with your essential nature, you will find that life becomes more vibrant, meaningful, and fulfilling. It will be like stepping out of a grey world into the light.

Infinite Possibilities

When you are aligned with your essential nature, the world opens up to infinite possibilities. You become more creative, resilient, and open to new experiences. You attract positive energy and opportunities that are in harmony with your true self. Walking can be the catalyst that brings you to this place of endless potential.

Conclusion

Walking Meditation is a powerful practice that can help you recalibrate, reclaim, and return to your essential nature. By reconnecting with the young version of yourself, you can rediscover the love, joy, and infinite possibilities that reside within you. Embrace this journey with an open heart and a curious mind, and you will find that your soul and spirit are upgraded to a place of profound fulfillment and happiness.

Whenever I feel a little out of sorts or uneasy, I know it is time to walk and go to my sacred healing space until my spirit is topped up. Each stride leaves me feeling reconnected, enveloped in a magical bliss and ever so happy. I urge you, my friends, to embrace this practice; it demands your presence and your commitment to the love you have for your beautiful self and of course your essential nature.

Much love joy and gratitude to you.