Standing at the back of the Lake at Staunton Country Park, we are situated partly under a canopy of trees. In this moment, we take a minute to become mindfully grounded. Now breathe deeply, slowly inhale, then exhale. If it helps, you can say or think "In" and "Out" with each breath. Feel each breath filling your lungs and note how it feels to push it back out. Breathe in and out, in and out.
Now feel your body. Focus on how your body feels from head to toe, noticing each part. Can you feel your hair on your shoulders or forehead, your glasses on your ears or nose? The weight of your shirt, top, coat, on your shoulders. Do your arms feel loose or stiff at your sides? Can you feel your heart beat? Is it rapid or steady? Does your stomach feel full or are you hungry? Is your back straight?
How are your feet placed? Curl your fingers and toes and give them a wiggle. Now look at the surroundings and picture in your mind, if you are not there, the trees leaning branches over the path and sweeping into the lake. The tall reedbeds swaying in the breeze. Dragonflies, bees, birds flying and cascading into the water. The beautiful calm lake. The breeze softly blows over the lake and you watch the thousands of tiny ripples it creates on the surface of the lake. Your surroundings here are so calm and pleasant that it brings a feeling of complete peace. This calm feeling washes over your entire body and mind. You breathe in deeply and allow the peace to fill your body. Let your body feel supported by the ground underneath you. Slowly begin to see or feel the sun shining its golden rays upon you.
Let yourself soak in these warm rays taking in the healing power and life, giving energy of the sunshine. As the sun's rays gently touch your skin, allow yourself to feel the warmth and energy flow slowly through your body, through your bones, sending healing light to your organs and tissues, recharging every system and now settling in your heart. You are glowing with this radiant energy. Give yourself permission to get in touch with this energy whenever you wish. With a warmth of this energy in your being, begin stretching, wriggling your fingers and toes and moving, feeling alive, refreshed, keenly alert to continue your mindfulness walk.
This is the sixth stop on the Mindfulness walk, where the path emerges from the trees and gives a view of the lake with its island. The slope up to the viewing terrace is on the left, and the Chinese Bridge is off to the right.
When you are ready, play the audio track and do the exercises.
When you have finished, continue on the path a short distance until you find the Chinese Bridge which connects the island.
This page is part of MINDFULNESS