The world is getting noisier by the second. New technology makes it easier for people to stay in contact and to pop up in one another’s lives. It seems like everywhere you look there’s another chunk of information desperate for your information. It’s understandable if by the end of the day you’re exhausted. Overstimulation like this can get you down and can seriously affect your motivation when it comes to exercise. But there’s a remedy waiting for you right outside your front door. We’re lucky in Brisbane that there are still hundreds of acres worth of bush land on our doorstep. Bushwalking is the perfect cure for stress and overstimulation. Out there it’s calm and quiet. For the most part, you’re unlikely to see anyone else while you walk. It’s an active form of meditation that will improve your mind, body and soul all at once. 
Until you try it, it’s hard to believe that simply stepping away from the everyday world can refresh your perspective on life. Though after ten minutes or so surrounded by towering trees and twittering birds, you’ll understand. Giving yourself mental distance from your life is a cornerstone of meditation, and additional physical distance makes it even more rewarding. Use bushwalking as a means to take a break from whatever’s stressing you and recharge your batteries while doing some gentle cardio exercise. 
Bushwalking would never be a meditative exercise if there were pressures placed upon you as a participant. There are no time limits or even a ‘finish line.’ It’s all about taking things at your own pace. And about the journey. Take in the scenery from the rolling hills in the distance to the small plants next to the trail. Let your mind wander as your feet take you someplace new and stunning. It’s hard to remember these days that sometimes the best things really are free and bushwalking is certainly an example of that.
AUTHOR: Madeline Pettet IMAGES: Madeline Pettet
Until you try it, it’s hard to believe that simply stepping away from the everyday world can refresh your perspective on life. Though after ten minutes or so surrounded by towering trees and twittering birds, you’ll understand. Giving yourself mental distance from your life is a cornerstone of meditation, and additional physical distance makes it even more rewarding. Use bushwalking as a means to take a break from whatever’s stressing you and recharge your batteries while doing some gentle cardio exercise. Bushwalking would never be a meditative exercise if there were pressures placed upon you as a participant. There are no time limits or even a ‘finish line.’ It’s all about taking things at your own pace. And about the journey. Take in the scenery from the rolling hills in the distance to the small plants next to the trail. Let your mind wander as your feet take you someplace new and stunning. It’s hard to remember these days that sometimes the best things really are free and bushwalking is certainly an example of that.
AUTHOR: Madeline Pettet IMAGES: Madeline Pettet
