Mindful Strides Submission

This is not your guided meditation. This is a woman who often stresses easily and has a small window for comfort; through walking around a mountain.

When my body is jacked up on adrenaline or nervous energy, I drive to Lone Mountain. It's small compared to the tall, jagged cliffs that tower behind it, but it's perfect for clearing my head and finding clarity.

Other people will connect with the universe or whatever other source energy they refer to, but... I talk to God. Sometimes I yell at Him, curse Him out even... but that's part of the meditation for me, personally. Expelling my negative energy is just as important as any breathing exercise. I also usually go at night; too hot for the day, plus star gazing is one of the best parts.

Get on the trail. Start walking.

Often times, it seems as if my legs operate independently from my mind. It's for this reason that the scene from a Knight's Tale is usually in my head as I walk, "Just follow your feet."

Follow your Feet. Allow the cloud of thoughts that are causing you to worry to pass through your mind, one at a time.

This will usually include but is not limited to: finances, love life, family, friends, the future, the car, a place to live, (insert your own ball of fun here), etc.

Now breathe in. Smell the dirt. Feel the trust you have in your own body to keep you moving. Try not to furrow your brows... it causes wrinkles. Look up. What planets, stars, or constellations do you see? Can you name any?

"Jupiter. Saturn. Mars. Vega. Cygnus. Ursa Major. Draco. Cassiopeia."

Remember that light is the fastest thing we know of to travel, and what you're seeing could already be past into oblivion. There is an entire universe above your head, try to fathom how small your worries are in comparison to infinity. Take another deep breath.

And now:

"Hi God. *sigh* I'm worried. Please give me clarity over this situation... and peace of mind."

Be sure that you deliberately put away any and all distractions now and take time to listen. Continue walking. Hear the crunch of the path with every step you take. Watch your legs guiding you; appreciate their endurance and the fact that they literally are what hold you up.

By this time, the halfway point is close by, either ahead or behind. This is where to find the trail that leads to the top with a beautiful view of the city. When walking to expend nerves, and not for the view, the trail gets passed.

"God, what do you want to say to me?"

No... you're not actually going to hear anyone say something to you. Answers come in the form of off the wall ideas or random thoughts that pop into your head... or visions. A scenario that plays itself out through your mind's eye.

Be receptive to whatever thoughts enter your mind. You don't have to immediately put them to the side if they are seemingly outrageous. Just let them be considered. Carry on taking deep breaths, allowing your body to walk off the negative energy and breathing in the fresh air.

Look up again. What do you see?

"The red twinkle of Antares inside of Scorpius. Same of Arcturus, in Boötes."

Continue to follow your feet, taking deep breaths. Be mindful of the other creatures around the mountain and on the trail; look for them, listen as they scurry across the ground or fly overhead.

Focus on releasing all the tension from your body as you near the end of the path. Remember any thoughts you had during your loop around the mountain. Keep in mind that your circumstances are temporary, as are all things. So take this time to name what you are grateful for: the air in your lungs you are inhaling, the shoes on your feet, your sense of sight to see the stars beyond you. You have more to be grateful for than to worry about.