Move, Breathe, Meditate: AYA Helps Renew Body, Mind and Spirit

AYA Launches New Mindfulness Feature

We are excited to announce that AYA Walk is launching a new mindfulness feature in May! Now, on top of counting your steps and calories, you can also engage in guided movement exercises, meditation, body check and soothing music to help renew your body, mind and spirit. Imagine taking a mindful break during your busy day, releasing stress and tension and returning to your tasks with renewed focus and energy. With AYA Walk, you can now enjoy all that and more! Why not try and see how these mindfulness practices can help improve your overall well-being?

AYA's Mindfulness Feature Offers a Variety of Resources

Mindful activities like guided meditation, yoga movement, prayer, breathing exercises, body check, songs and hymns and walking in nature can be powerful tools for cultivating inner peace, reducing stress levels and improving overall health and well-being. By being fully present in each moment and focusing on your body, mind and spirit, you can connect with your surroundings and cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of yourself and the world around you.

• Body Check: A body check is a mindfulness practice focusing on different body parts and observing sensations or feelings. This can help you become more aware of your body and tension or discomfort you may be experiencing. You will also be able to learn the Chickasaw terms for body parts as part of this resource.
• Breathing Exercises: Breathing exercises are a simple yet powerful way to reduce stress and anxiety. Focusing on your breath and slowing down your breathing can calm your mind and relax your body.
• Guided Meditation: Guided meditation is a practice where a teacher or guide leads you through the meditation process. It is a great starting point for beginners who find it difficult to meditate on their own and can help you reduce stress, improve concentration and increase self-awareness.
• Prayer: A prayer is a form of mindfulness that focuses on a higher power, whether a deity, nature or the universe. Prayer can help you develop a sense of peace, calm and a deeper connection with the divine.
• Songs and Hymns: Music can be a powerful tool for mindfulness. Calming music or singing songs and hymns can help you relax and reduce stress. You can listen to hymns and songs recorded by Chickasaw citizens in Chickasaw or Choctaw, including many familiar Choctaw hymns. The music will inspire you and connect you with Chickasaw culture.
• Walking in Nature: Walking in nature is a great way to connect with the natural world and cultivate peace and calm. Spending time in nature can help you reduce stress, improve mood and increase feelings of well-being. You can take AYA along with you and listen to the songs, prayers and other resources as you walk. It will feed your mind, spirit and body to be in nature and immersed in Chickasaw culture.
• Yoga Movement: Yoga is a practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation or relaxation. These movements can help you improve flexibility, strength and balance, as well as reduce stress and anxiety.

Get Moving, Breathe and Meditate to Renew and Refresh Yourself

Incorporating these mindful activities into your daily routine can have numerous benefits, including reducing stress levels, increasing energy and renewing your spirit. Whether practicing guided meditation, yoga movement, prayer, breathing exercises, body check, songs and hymns or walking in nature, being mindful can help you stay grounded and centered. Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness and connect with yourself and the world around you. Your body, mind and spirit will thank you for it.

 If you are not an AYA user, download the app and start walking with us today. If you are already an AYA user, be sure you are getting the most out of your fitness journey with us by using all the features in the app. You can find out about all AYA’s features and answer questions about how the app works by visiting AYAWalk.com.

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Anowa chipisala'cho (until we meet again),

- The AYA Walk Team