A Guided City Walk

Finally, you have a chance for a walk to clear your head. How can your head clear when you live in a city? No quiet green space anywhere near, unless you drive out. The noise, the rubbish on the floor, the people everywhere. How is it even possible? Allow me to guide you.

Start by standing still and acknowledging what is there. The woman walking to the shops, the man on his way to work. The traffic that is building up. The shops at every corner. Now imagine that these things are a beautiful part of life. That each person or thing has a story, a direction, a purpose and in some way, you are now a part of their story as they are yours. Your purpose is to relax so that you can manage the rest of the day calmly and levelled, your mission is to be at one in your space, to clear your mind of negative thoughts, your body of negative feelings and to feel secure, safe and peaceful.

It all begins with a shift in the mind, a calmness that can alter your vision. It is starting now, already, you can already feel that it is possible to be at one. You are already feeling positive that this walk will guide you to a place of serenity. You are already allowing me to soothe your being.

In every area, every city, every walk or relaxing sit, there are beauties that the eyes often miss. Together we will seek out these sights and shape a tranquil image for you to keep with you.

Start with the path that you are walking on. It is probably tarmac or concrete, if you are in an old city it may even be cobblestone. This path has a story. Of a time when it was built. Of people laying it in hot or cold weather. If it is raining it may leave an aroma in the air that excites your senses. How many people could have walked on this path before you, how many steps will be taken that follow yours for years to come. Think of how your foot lands, think of the shape of it and which parts would leave an imprint had you paint on your feet.

Look around you at the scenery, busy shops that have people in with something to desire, something to buy. What is in the shop windows? Are there signs? The name of the shop? What about advertisements for local businesses or flats to let. Take a moment and read them. The people that walk around you could be the people who have placed them. Building their businesses, financially securing themselves. Which one attracts your attention? Is it the wording? The style? The colours? Which one is not so appealing? Is it boring? Is it something you do not need to know about? What else is in the window? Posters?

Once you have finished taking in what you can see, take your next steps. Breathe in for six steps. Breathe out for six steps. In for one, two, three, four, five, six, out for one, two, three, four, five, six. In, out. Keep doing this. As you feel your body breathing in rhythm without force, allow it to count on its own while you walk and view.

Take note of what is happening around you again. Is there a lot f traffic or is the road quiet? Any transport that you can see consider what it is and what it is used for. Can you see a bus? Is it a busy or a quiet bus? Are there cars slowing down for traffic lights or moving at a regular speed? What colour are the cars? Are they big cars or small? These cars hold people inside who are living their lives. They have places to be and times to be there. Is it possible to guess where they are going?

There are other people too. They are near you, they are across the street, they are stepping into houses and offices and shops. What do they look like? Are they wearing suits? Are they casually dressed? Do they look relaxed or stressed? Do they take long strides so that they can reach their destination faster or do they take slow short steps so that they can take in what is around them? Do these people look as though they fit in? Is the city full of business people or families? What is the niche? Is there a vibe? What is the culture of the area? Is this reflected in the building architecture? Whether it is an old or new city, whether it is a busy or quiet one, what is it known for? The arts? The nightlife? Is there a lot of restaurants or cafes? Can you smell food? What can you smell? Is it good food that makes you feel hungry or the smell of a dog that may have recently been in this space?

At this moment you are taking in your surroundings. You are finding all the stories that are happening right now. Soaking up the culture and the beauties of a place that you once thought you could not just be in. You have allowed me to guide you to a place to tranquillity, in the moment, at one within your mind and body. You are relaxed and ready to face the rest of the day. Remember that you can find beauty in anything. You just need to let yourself look.