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Breathe, walk, observe…. And then what?

August 19, 2017August 19, 2017 By fmw

Some people ask me, “So then what?  What good are these walks if you aren’t planning to DO something about what you observe?”

The beginning of each walk includes a reminder that we only have three things to do: breathe, walk, and observe.

Yes, that’s it, because there’s a trick to mindfulness walking–and that’s letting go of having to walk with a specific expectation of what you’ll do or know at the end.

Mindfulness walks are a breeding ground for insight when walkers let go of expectations and simply focus on the present moment, letting the environment flow through them as they breathe, walk, and observe.

Brain research reveals that you can “train your brain for insight,” (Google it!) and the mindfulness walk experience has all the necessary elements!

However, not having expectations doesn’t mean that nothing comes from mindfully walking your city.  In fact, it’s just the opposite!

At the end of each week’s walk, we come together for a few minutes of conversation, and this is what I’ve heard:

  • Walkers describe new things they learn about Fresno.
  • Walkers describe how interactions with people from different walks of life will inform their actions and attitudes in the future.
  • Walkers describe colors, shapes, smells, and sounds that intrigue or inspire them.
  • Walkers describe insights into personal situations – maybe even a seemingly obvious solution – that had previously eluded them.
  • Walkers describe the benefits of seeing neighborhoods on foot and up close.
  • Walkers describe experiencing mental calmness and clarity and how it prepares them for the hectic week ahead.
  • Walkers describe the healing nature of a shared unspoken experience.
  • Walkers describe how walking 4 miles affects their muscles, breathing, and overall fitness.
  • Walkers describe what they will do or how they will communicate to others about what they observed.
  • And the list goes on…

Over the last three years, more than 400 individuals have joined me on one walk or many – for 118 walks, about 4 miles each.  The benefits to individual walkers and to Fresno are beyond quantification.

I don’t want to limit the possibilities by imposing anything on anyone.

Just breathe, walk, and observe.  What you do with the experience is up to you.

Lori Clanton

Lucky leader of the tribe of Fresno Mindfulness Walkers

This entry was posted in Uncategorized

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  Walking and seeing neighborhoods up close, I feel more connected with people in Fresno. FMWalker, June 10, 2017
‘The Prayer of John Auer’ sends walkers forth – Walk 21, Yr 3, 9/16/17  

2 thoughts on “Breathe, walk, observe…. And then what?”

  • Delaine Zody August 19, 2017 at 11:38 am Reply

    Seeing other parts of your community is vital to understanding other parts of your community. We do not all live the same way, even though we live in the same town.

    Two to three times a week, I drive south and west, through neighborhoods, on streets, into an area that most people in north Fresno and Clovis do not even know exists. When I tell them where I go, they always ask, “where is that?” In describing the location, few can make the connection.

    But I make the connection with the people who are on these streets, in these neighborhoods, trying to live their life in Fresno as I try to live mine. I can better understand where others are coming from and what they are dealing with when I make my way to other parts of Fresno. You are offering these opportunities each week in your mindfulness walks. It is a good thing for all of us.

    • fmw September 17, 2017 at 8:41 am Reply

      DK, thanks for sharing this! I enjoy following you and FB and seeing all that you do for the kids of Fresno Unified! Thank you!

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UPCOMING WALK: Saturday, January 29, 2022, 10 a.m.

Fresno Mindfulness Walks will lead a Saturday morning walk on January 29, 2022, beginning at 10 am. at 271 N. Glenn Ave., Fresno, CA 93701 (the home of Craig Scharton).  
 
The walk will be about 3 miles, at a stroll to medium pace, occasionally on uneven ground, and take about an hour and a half. By walking mindfully and without talking, we will experience the Lowell neighborhood in new ways. At the conclusion of the walk, we’ll gather back at Craig’s yard and spend a few minutes talking about what we discovered about ourselves and the neighborhood. 
Walks are free and require no RSVP. Look for the Facebook event to share with your friends. For email notifications, sign up in the yellow bar at the top.
Lori Clanton
Lucky Leader to Fresno Mindfulness Walks

How FMW works —

Fresno Mindfulness Walks are weekly opportunities for people to walk together for a 4 mile route through a different Fresno neighborhood each week. Walkers practice active mindfulness by attending to the sights, sounds, smells, feelings.  Walkers do not talk to each other on walks, but we do greet people we meet along the way.  The walk location and exact start time are posted just a few days in advance. All walks are free, require no RSVP, and anyone is welcome to join one walk or many. To learn about upcoming walks, you can sign up for a weekly email in the yellow bar at the top of this website and/or LIKE and follow the FMW Facebook page.

 

To learn about the routine that begins each walk and read some of the resources that have inspired FMW, check out the resources page.

 

Weekly walks are about 4 miles and take about an hour and a half. Walks are at a medium pace, often on uneven ground, and sometimes take longer than expected because walkers see themselves as curious travelers lingering to observe or going around a different way.

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Recent Comments

  • fmw:

    DK, thanks for sharing this! I enjoy following you
  • fmw:

    Hi Cherie, I would describe the pace as 'medium', but walkers
  • Delaine Zody:

    Seeing other parts of your community is vital to understanding
  • Cherie:

    Would love the opportunity to do mindful walking with this
  • fmw:

    Would love to have you join a walk any time.

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