Tips For Maintaining Mental Health With Mindful Walking

JAKARTA - In this fast-paced modern life, we are often disconnected from nature and even from ourselves. Busy daily activities make us forget to pause for a moment, feel the breath, and realize our presence in the world.

Meditasi berjalan atau mindful walking telah menjadi salah satu praktik yang semakin populer di kalangan modern. Sebagai bentuk latihan mental dan spiritual, meditasi memiliki manfaat yang luar biasa bagi siapa saja yang melakukannya, termasuk perempuan.

Pada perayaan Hari Ibu, Sekolah Rekonsiliasi (lofC Indonesia) bersama HIA EveryWear mengadakan acara yang menginspirasi dan memulihkan jiwa melalui praktik mindful walking.

This activity aims to invite participants, especially women, to appreciate themselves more and strengthen their connections with nature.

Nenden Prawira, Program Director of the School of Reconciliation, explained that mindful walking is a unique experience that involves activating the five senses, namely the sense of seers (eyes), listeners (eyes), skincare (smalls), smell (noses), and tasteers.

"This morning, all participants followed the route that had been prepared with full awareness. This means that they activate their senses to be more mindful and grounded," said Nenden, when met at the Jakarta Escape Change House on Sunday, December 22, 2024.

Through this journey, participants are invited to realize their existence as part of the universe. Therefore, it is very important that we balance life between ourselves and nature.

"Sometimes we forget that we are part of nature. With mindful walking, we recall that connection, which is very important for mental health and balance of life," he said.

After meditation goes on, participants share experiences through open sharing sessions. Many of them realize how happy it is to breathe and find new things about themselves.

"When we look at natural elements and realize that we are part of them, it makes our mentality stronger to face life," said Nenden.

Furthermore, these activities are also designed to help participants communicate with their deepest side, which is often referred to as an inner child.

"Recovery starts with oneself. By communicating with inner children, we ensure that we remain intact and strong," he added.

Ajeng Kartika, founder of HIA EveryWear who also participated in this event, emphasized the importance of respecting the role of women in life. Ajeng also reminded that life is a gift that must be grateful for.

"Women have many roles and are often affected. On Mother's Day, we want to embrace Indonesian women to appreciate themselves more," he said.

"This Mother's Day is a moment to give appreciation to women, both mothers and those who have not," he added.

Ajeng said the idea of holding this activity started with her husband, Lucky Priyatma. The HIA Everywear founder sees the phenomenon that many people make sports an escape from trouble, but does not solve the root of the problem.

"My husband once asked, why do many people exercise but still feel sick? The answer is because they haven't fixed themselves." said Ajeng.

He emphasized the importance of self-construction and processing as a complement to physical exercise. By aligning your thoughts, feelings, and body, a person can achieve a better balance of life.