Medicine Walk by Nikki Staley Ph.D.

A medicine walk is a Shamanic healing process that enables you to connect with nature in a much deeper way.  I often walk with my dog, Ebony who is a beautiful soul which I believe also is a spiritual guide that helps me to learn unconditional love and acceptance of everything in the present moment.  When I walk with her I notice and see things that I normally would not experience.  People often stop and say hello and ask about her or just comment on what a beautiful dog she is.  I know that I would not meet so many wonderful people and experience the joy on my walks than if she wasn't with me.

A medicine walk can be experienced while walking your dog or without.  It is traditionally completed on your own using nature to guide and answer specific questions but you can still do it with your fluffy friend.

Simply set the intent and think of your question that requires guidance.   Once you know your question, ask permission to enter the place you are about to walk.  Wait quietly for your answer, intuiting your response.  It may feel like an inner knowing or you may even hear a "yes" with your inner ear.    Then begin walking purposefully, aware of your question.   Look for four signs.  As you walk let your gaze focus on a specific object which could be a tree, a flower, a rock, animal, the ocean or the sand etc.  Then pause and reflect on its meaning for you.  Don't think about it just allow and ask your question and wait for an answer.    Each element of nature has its own energy field which in the native way would be called its unique medicine.  Flashes of insight then flow in - just notice and continue medicine walking or you may want to sit.  When you have received the guidance you are looking for with the first object, continue walking until another object has grabbed your attention.  Again ask for divine guidance from the object and wait for the answer, continuing to walk until you have received four signs or if you are sitting, notice four signs in your awareness.  When you have received all four signs, give thanks for the insight.  You may wish to make physical notes so that you can return to this message when you need to.