Early Childhood Yogis Go Hiking

The quality of life is in proportion, always, to the capacity for delight. The capacity for delight is the gift of paying attention.   Mary Sarton

I believe it true that yoga is meditation in motion. As of late, our young yogis have been taking that motion into the woods of Abintra. Our walks through the woods exercise the body, and also provide opportunities for mindfulness activities. Walking slowly and quietly, we pay close attention to the muscles of the legs and feet, how we place our feet upon the ground, and how we keep our balance. We try to be aware of the things we might otherwise miss: the sound of the wind in the trees, the sight of woodpeckers and robins flitting from branch to branch, the textures and colors upon the rocks along the path. Occasionally, when available, we sit in a sunny spot just to pay attention to the sensation of warmth upon our faces. Our mindfulness hikes are certainly an enjoyable way to promote greater health and well being.

-- By John Toomey