Samples of walking routes around Rosewood Cottage, Flamborough can be found here
'This is a little gem of a find. The cottage, garden and environs has everything that is needed for a comfortable and relaxing break. The cliff walks in the area are beautiful, I especially enjoyed South Landing and the beach and little cafe there. Flamborough village has a Co-op for provisions and a number of pubs, all of which serve food. The Seabird was a favourite. I would recommend making a reservation, as we were disappointed on one night when everywhere was full! Rosewood Cottage is perfect, if I go back to Flamborough, I would definitely stay there again'
'A lovely cottage in a nice quiet, yet convenient, location. It had everything we needed and provided a cosy base to return to after a day out. The sitting area outside was a lovely little suntrap - sheltered from any wind and a great place for afternoon tea. An ideal location to base ourselves as walkers as Flamborough Head, Bempton and Danes Dyke were all within walking distance'
'Lovely little cottage in a fantastic quiet area for exploring the beaches, pubs and restaurants within walking distance'
There are many ways to incorporate mindfulness into our daily routines, both at work and our personal lives. From practicing active listening skills to meditation, mindfulness practices help us focus on the present with curiosity, kindness and acceptance.
Like any mindfulness practice, walking can provide an opportunity to be present—aware of your breath, the sensations in your body and your surroundings. Mindful walking is also energizing because it incorporates movement and is easy to practice because it can be done almost anytime and anywhere, alone or with other people. And if you’re an active person who seldom sits still, combining mindfulness with movement is especially rewarding.
Five Benefits for Mindful Walkers
In addition to the advantages of being outdoors, research shows that a mindful walk brings even more benefits:
1. Reduces stress: Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, but it turns out that mindful walking could be more effective than physical activity alone.
2. Improves mood: In addition to the physiological effects of exercise—which include endorphins (the body’s natural opioids), higher levels of feel-good chemicals in the brain (endocannabinoids, neurotransmitters, etc.) and an increase in core temperature—we also experience a glowing sense of satisfaction at having accomplished something, especially when it’s something good for us. All of these components combine to boost our mood.
3. Lessens fatigue: It seems counterintuitive, but if you’re normally a sedentary person who feels overworked and fatigued, a low-intensity exercise, like walking, can boost your energy levels by as much as 65 percent.
4. Strengthens willpower: Researcher have found that mindfulness helps bolster willpower. So if you’re trying to quit smoking, eating sweets, drinking alcohol or anything else that requires mental fortitude, a mindful walk might help.
5. Connects you with your body: With desk jobs, automobiles, social media and televisions, many of us have lost the connection with our body that was commonplace for our ancestors. Regular movement, especially when done mindfully, provides an opportunity to feel every sensation in your body as it moves through space. When was the last time you noticed how your foot adjusts automatically to uneven ground? Or how your arms move as counterweights as you walk? We take proprioception for granted, but it’s worthy of our attention and gratitude.
Dress comfortably and leave your headphones behind. Take a few breaths before you begin walking and run a quick body scan. Notice how your body and mind feel. Is there tension anywhere? How does the ground feel under your feet? How’s your mood? What’s on your mind? Observe these sensations and feelings without judging them
Take your time. Walk naturally, and set a slow pace initially so that you can focus more easily on the experience. (Walking mindfully is the epitome of “the journey is the destination.”) Pay attention to the sensations you feel physically as your walk. Choose one focal point at a time and linger there, allowing yourself to experience it fully. For example, what is your right foot doing? Is it moving differently than your left foot in any way? Can you feel a breeze against your skin or ruffling your hair? Is there sunshine warming some part of you? What sounds do you hear? Let these observations float through your mind as you walk. Don’t try to keep a mental list or analyze them.
When you’ve finished walking, stop for a moment to notice your breath again and run another quick body scan. Do you feel any different?
Like any mindfulness practice, walking can provide an opportunity to be present—aware of your breath, the sensations in your body and your surroundings. Mindful walking is also energizing because it incorporates movement and is easy to practice because it can be done almost anytime and anywhere, alone or with other people. And if you’re an active person who seldom sits still, combining mindfulness with movement is especially rewarding.
Five Benefits for Mindful Walkers
In addition to the advantages of being outdoors, research shows that a mindful walk brings even more benefits:
1. Reduces stress: Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, but it turns out that mindful walking could be more effective than physical activity alone.
2. Improves mood: In addition to the physiological effects of exercise—which include endorphins (the body’s natural opioids), higher levels of feel-good chemicals in the brain (endocannabinoids, neurotransmitters, etc.) and an increase in core temperature—we also experience a glowing sense of satisfaction at having accomplished something, especially when it’s something good for us. All of these components combine to boost our mood.
3. Lessens fatigue: It seems counterintuitive, but if you’re normally a sedentary person who feels overworked and fatigued, a low-intensity exercise, like walking, can boost your energy levels by as much as 65 percent.
4. Strengthens willpower: Researcher have found that mindfulness helps bolster willpower. So if you’re trying to quit smoking, eating sweets, drinking alcohol or anything else that requires mental fortitude, a mindful walk might help.
5. Connects you with your body: With desk jobs, automobiles, social media and televisions, many of us have lost the connection with our body that was commonplace for our ancestors. Regular movement, especially when done mindfully, provides an opportunity to feel every sensation in your body as it moves through space. When was the last time you noticed how your foot adjusts automatically to uneven ground? Or how your arms move as counterweights as you walk? We take proprioception for granted, but it’s worthy of our attention and gratitude.
Dress comfortably and leave your headphones behind. Take a few breaths before you begin walking and run a quick body scan. Notice how your body and mind feel. Is there tension anywhere? How does the ground feel under your feet? How’s your mood? What’s on your mind? Observe these sensations and feelings without judging them
Take your time. Walk naturally, and set a slow pace initially so that you can focus more easily on the experience. (Walking mindfully is the epitome of “the journey is the destination.”) Pay attention to the sensations you feel physically as your walk. Choose one focal point at a time and linger there, allowing yourself to experience it fully. For example, what is your right foot doing? Is it moving differently than your left foot in any way? Can you feel a breeze against your skin or ruffling your hair? Is there sunshine warming some part of you? What sounds do you hear? Let these observations float through your mind as you walk. Don’t try to keep a mental list or analyze them.
When you’ve finished walking, stop for a moment to notice your breath again and run another quick body scan. Do you feel any different?
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