The Weekender: Four Mindful Ways to Enjoy Bondi Beach

I've been very interested in the concept of mindful living in the past year and a recent visit to Australia's most popular beach served as yet another little reminder to keep my eyes and my mind opened to what is around me.

When my good friend visited Sydney for the first time last month, I became tour guide and set about creating an itinerary for her. Despite wanting to avoid the tourist cliches, we ended up at Bondi Beach  on a wintery Sunday morning. Even though I would normally be deterred by the expensive metered parking and hordes of tourists, I forgot all about it the second my feet hit the soft powdery sand.

So I thought I would share with you four mindful ways I like to enjoy Australia's most popular beach:

1. Do the Bondi to Coogee Walk

Or opt for the shorter Bondi to Bronte walk.

Almost as well loved as Bondi Beach itself is the coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte to Coogee. Yes, this boardwalk trail guides you along some of Sydney's most famous beaches. The walk can get busy with locals, joggers, tourists and doggies during the weekends but the views will nonetheless be spectacular.

2. Get in the Water

I'm not the strongest swimmer nor am I a surfer, but I love being in the ocean. Being by the water resets my mind and I often leave the beach feeling revitalised and grateful. And it would seem like I'm not the only one!

3. Check out the Graffiti Walls			4. Eat Fish & Chips by the Water
Lined along the walls of Bondi Beach are graffiti artworks  by local artists. If you don't want to get your feet in the sand or water (but you totally should), walk along the paved walkway and admire the constantly changing artworks. Some of them really make you stop and think about our city and the world we live in, whilst others make you quietly giggle.			I love chips. I love water (see above). So why not put them together? Eating fish and chips by the water is one of the most peaceful and satisfying things in the world (as long as you don't have to fight the seagulls). There are some great unassuming fish and chips shops along Campbell Parade (the road that stretches along the beach).

What are some of your favourite local spots for rejuvenating yourself?

I've been very interested in the concept of mindful living in the past year and a recent visit to Australia's most popular beach served as yet another little reminder to keep my eyes and my mind opened to what is around me.

When my good friend visited Sydney for the first time last month, I became tour guide and set about creating an itinerary for her. Despite wanting to avoid the tourist cliches, we ended up at Bondi Beach  on a wintery Sunday morning. Even though I would normally be deterred by the expensive metered parking and hordes of tourists, I forgot all about it the second my feet hit the soft powdery sand.

So I thought I would share with you four mindful ways I like to enjoy Australia's most popular beach:

1. Do the Bondi to Coogee Walk

Or opt for the shorter Bondi to Bronte walk.

Almost as well loved as Bondi Beach itself is the coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte to Coogee. Yes, this boardwalk trail guides you along some of Sydney's most famous beaches. The walk can get busy with locals, joggers, tourists and doggies during the weekends but the views will nonetheless be spectacular.

2. Get in the Water

I'm not the strongest swimmer nor am I a surfer, but I love being in the ocean. Being by the water resets my mind and I often leave the beach feeling revitalised and grateful. And it would seem like I'm not the only one!

3. Check out the Graffiti Walls			4. Eat Fish & Chips by the Water
Lined along the walls of Bondi Beach are graffiti artworks  by local artists. If you don't want to get your feet in the sand or water (but you totally should), walk along the paved walkway and admire the constantly changing artworks. Some of them really make you stop and think about our city and the world we live in, whilst others make you quietly giggle.			I love chips. I love water (see above). So why not put them together? Eating fish and chips by the water is one of the most peaceful and satisfying things in the world (as long as you don't have to fight the seagulls). There are some great unassuming fish and chips shops along Campbell Parade (the road that stretches along the beach).

What are some of your favourite local spots for rejuvenating yourself?