I've really been struggling with the 3 minutes at the beginning! Once I get out the door I'm moving and momentum gets the best of me. So when I remember, I stop, and stand there (feeling a little silly, looking at the clouds). But it does help so much once I've done it. And the 3 minutes at the end. Love it. It's causing me to be more intentional about thresholds.
Thank you so much for this comment, and I am so happy it was helpful. Sometimes these short moments, so easily dismissed, can help us set simpe intentions (also so easily dismissed) that together offer real impact.
I think we forget because it is so simple. It does not take being a guru, traveling to an exotic locale, or complicated planning. In its simplicity is its invitation.
Thanks for the mistakes people make. The comment on thresholds gave me pause. The importance of why I incorporate a gathering ritual and a closing ritual in my programs and spiritual direction sessions.
I am expanding your definition of contemplative walking. As a contemplative, I have struggled to find a succinct explanation for being a contemplative. I am now going to say, "to be a contemplative is to live with presence." Thank you!
The 3 minutes of stillness at the beginning (arriving) and end (integrating) are what I've been missing. Thanks for this.
Thanks for sharing this, and I look forward to hearing how you integrate this into your practice!
I've really been struggling with the 3 minutes at the beginning! Once I get out the door I'm moving and momentum gets the best of me. So when I remember, I stop, and stand there (feeling a little silly, looking at the clouds). But it does help so much once I've done it. And the 3 minutes at the end. Love it. It's causing me to be more intentional about thresholds.
Thank you so much for this comment, and I am so happy it was helpful. Sometimes these short moments, so easily dismissed, can help us set simpe intentions (also so easily dismissed) that together offer real impact.
Thank you! I have been forgetting to do this (it seems very Buddhist). So important, to walk, look and be present.
I think we forget because it is so simple. It does not take being a guru, traveling to an exotic locale, or complicated planning. In its simplicity is its invitation.
Thanks for the mistakes people make. The comment on thresholds gave me pause. The importance of why I incorporate a gathering ritual and a closing ritual in my programs and spiritual direction sessions.
I am expanding your definition of contemplative walking. As a contemplative, I have struggled to find a succinct explanation for being a contemplative. I am now going to say, "to be a contemplative is to live with presence." Thank you!
I deeply appreciate your sharing this, Van. Many thanks.
Perhaps this can be something we can both deepen into over the weekend?
Thoreau's "sauntering." Love it.
Thanks for sharing this, and I hope the weekend finds us both here!
Your breakdown of presence vs. thinking is beautiful. It turns walking into a practice instead of just movement.
Thank you for this insight; in many ways this is the essence of Forest Bathing and Pilgrimage itself!