A Mindful Walk
Posted by Mary FaulknerThe setting was perfect. The sky was clear and blue, the trees a kaleidoscope of color, paths winding in and out of shady spots overlooking beautiful vistas dotted with amazing sculptures. This was the scene surrounding us when we visited Storm King Art Center. While exploring, the fifth grade was lucky enough to experience this place a bit differently, with a mindful walk. A different form of contemplative practice, a mindful walk offers the individual the chance to direct his or her focus on simply walking and observing. Students were invited to focus on a variety of things throughout this 10 minute walk; the natural surroundings, the different textures, sights and smells and simply what it feels like to walk. All of this was done in silence as children traversed the paths. When reflecting on this experience students shared what it was like for them and what they noticed. One student was fascinated by the movement of a spider as it walked on a tree trunk, another found one leaf among many dry ones, with the tiniest puddle of water in it. A few simply noticed that in some spots the path was harder under their feet and in others soft and “squishy.” They were all amazed at the things they go unnoticed and how many amazing things there are to be noticed when we slow down and give ourselves the opportunity to be mindful.
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