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And walking meditation, says Dr. Andrew Weil, founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, “has a long, noble history in ancient spiritual disciplines. [They] all

share a similar purpose: to focus on synchronized breathing and stride in order to develop mindfulness of the present moment.” Mary Maddux, M.S., counselor and healing arts practitioner,

says that walking meditation can be just as profound as sitting meditation. “It has the advantage of bringing the meditative experience into our activity,” she says. “There is a tremendous

richness of experience to become aware of as you walk. The body loves movement and will reward you with pleasure if you pay attention to how it feels. So much of the time we are caught up in

our mental worlds. Paying attention to the body as you walk will help you to enjoy simply being alive.” ARTIST DATES These are once weekly, solo expeditions to explore something new and

enjoyable. “Expect to meet resistance when you propose to yourself doing something fun,” says Cameron. “Even though we give lip service to the phrase ‘the play of ideas,’ we don’t always

truly understand how fun can help us. Those who undertake Artist Dates report insights, hunches and breakthroughs, a heightened sense of well-being.” An Artist Date need not be expensive or

exotic; the point is that it something that feels fresh and exciting to you. Designing Your Future. The value of Cameron’s exhortation to “play” should not be underestimated. Dr. Stuart

Brown, founder and president of the National Institute for Play and author of Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination and Invigorates the Soul, says, “Playfulness enhances the

capacity to innovate, adapt and master changing circumstances. It is not just an escape. Paper Boat Creative/Getty Images The value of Cameron’s exhortation to “play” should not be

underestimated. Dr. Stuart Brown, founder and president of the National Institute for Play and author of _Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination and Invigorates the Soul_,

says, “Playfulness enhances the capacity to innovate, adapt and master changing circumstances. It is not just an escape. It can help us integrate and reconcile difficult or contrary

circumstances.” That’s perfect for when you feel adrift or confused, or are simply unsure about next steps. And play, he says, “is the gateway to vitality. By its nature it is uniquely and

intrinsically rewarding. It generates optimism, seeks out novelty, makes perseverance fun, leads to mastery, gives the immune system a bounce, fosters empathy and promotes a sense of

belonging and community.” Yet this is another tool at which people balk, says Cameron. “People will typically procrastinate around doing an Artist Date, and then if we coax them gently

enough they’ll finally say, ‘Oh all right, I’ll try it,’ and this might be two or three weeks into the process. Once they try it though, they are amazed at the sense of well-being that they

feel, and then become enthusiastic for future Artist Dates.” Each of the 12 weeks in Cameron’s program is dedicated to reigniting important life forces that may be sputtering or completely

extinguished. Week one reignites a sense of wonder, while week four reignites a sense of purpose. Weeks seven and eight reignite a sense of resilience and joy, respectively, while the final

week reignites a sense of faith. “Many times what is ailing in people is what I would call a spiritual hunger, and as they work with the tools they begin to experience a spiritual awakening

that leads to optimism and benevolence,” she explains. Cameron’s four creativity-based tools are “aimed at those transitioning into the second act of life—leaving one life behind and heading

into one yet to be created,” she says. As for the time commitment: “Twelve weeks—three months—may seem like a long time, but think of it as a few-hours-weekly investment in the next phase

of your life.” People always complain to Cameron that just don’t have enough time. “We all have plenty of time,” says Cameron. “It’s how we choose to spend it.”