We all know this famous quote by Lao Tzu: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” But what happens next? What happens halfway through, when the body is exhausted, and the mind wants to flee? What happens when we find ourselves in challenging terrain, a long way from home, and a long way from our destination?
Walking in nature can be meditative, it offers a pace and rhythm of movement that feels sustainable to me. The uneven ground which requires attention, the moment of wonder that captures the awareness and imagination, whether it’s a dramatic landscape, a wedge of geese returning for the winter, flashes of colour from wild orchids, or seeing a bird of prey. Walking in nature is yoga in action; the balance of body, mind and emotion coming together for the immediate experience. There’s very little opportunity for the mind to wander when the view is stunning, or the landscape is challenging. The experience becomes one of full presence.