Black Eyed Susans © 2012 Bo Mackison
“Each step we take creates a cool breeze, refreshing our body and mind.
Every step makes a flower bloom under our feet.” ~ Thich Nhat Hahn
Each morning I walk. Each morning a part of my walk is walking with meditation. I don’t do it long, only 5 minutes or so. I usually do it at the beginning of my walk, when I am still on sidewalks and have not yet reached the pond destination or the prairie destination. I do it to prepare myself for the day, to open my senses for what I will be seeing, hearing, touching, tasting and speaking in the hours to come. To prepare a space for the new to assemble next to the old. To focus on the present.
As I walk for those first few minutes, camera silent, hurried mind slowed, I find it helpful to breathe in and out slowly. And every few steps as I inhale, I say, “Imperfect…” and as I exhale I say, “I am enough.”
And then, in my mind’s eye, a flower blooms under my feet!
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Bo Mackison is a photographer and the owner of Seeded Earth Studio LLC. Walking, Bo first slows down, offers gratitude, and then does a brief walking meditation. Then she is ready to take off the lens cover and begin taking photos.
About Bo Mackison
I walk every morning as well, Bo. However, I’ve not found the right meditative phrase, method, mental exercise, whatever. Your words seem so right. May I borrow them and report back?
I do hope you borrowed my meditative phrase, and it was helpful. I’d love to hear about your experience, or if you found another helpful phrase.
Beautiful image of these black eyed susans. You framed them nicely with greenery and other flowers.
It’s always a pleasure to photograph huge patches of these sunny Susans. Thanks, Anita.
I can’t get over how beautiful that prairie is!
It’s an amazing place, though now it’s more brown than green. Still lovley, just in a different sense.
i agree with Montucky. The prairie is beautiful.
I agree with you and Montucky! 🙂
The prairie is so beautiful. As are daily walks. I can’t think of a better way to stay in touch with the nature, the seasons, and even ourselves. 🙂
Can’t imagine a day without a walk. It’s a healthy habit — for heart, mind, and soul.