You might be no stranger to meditation in a cross-legged pose. However, have you heard about walking meditation? Yes, it is meditation while you are walking, not sitting. If you are about to start meditation but sitting still is too boring for your to handle, walking meditation can be a good choice.
What is walking meditation?
Similar to traditional meditation, this meditation method helps you practice mindfulness, but in motion instead of in stillness. It is about being aware of your body and physical sensations as you move. It is also suitable for beginners since walking is part of our daily life.
Benefits of walking meditation
- Interesting as it sounds, this type of medication can be attractive and practical to those who are in favor of being physically active rather than resting.
- Walking meditation helps to accommodate blood circulation, especially when we have been sitting still for a while.
- It is easy to incorporate this activity into our daily schedules since walking is something we do almost every day.
- Walking meditation gives us a chance to connect with both our mental and physical bodies at the same time.
- Practicing walking meditation in nature is also an amazing way to live in harmony with the universe.
Start walking meditation today
If you don’t know how to practice walking meditation, here is helpful guidance with some basic steps for you.
1. Pick a location
For a beginner, it is important to find a place that is quiet and traffic-free. This helps you easily find peace focus on your own world and avoid dangerous situations from the people and things happening around you. Notice that the walking lane should be flat enough so you don’t fall over any obstacles. You can practice walking meditation either indoors or outside in nature. Walking barefoot on a grass field is an ideal choice.
2. Start the first steps
Take 10-15 steps down the path you’ve chosen, then pause and take a deep breath for as long as you’d like. When you’re ready, turn around and walk back down the lane to the other end, where you can halt and catch your breath. Then, when you’re ready, turn around and resume walking.
3. Make sense of your steps
While slowly walking, pay attention to the movements of your feet and legs, as well as the motion of your body as it moves forward. Simply walk in a circle or back and forth slowly and mindfully. Walking for at least 10 minutes is recommended. You can always stop and stretch or simply take a rest.
4. Focus on your sensations
Now, it’s time to direct your attention to all of your senses. Take a deep breath and let your mind and body feel the sounds that you hear, the smells that you notice, and the colors and objects that you see. Focus on each sense separately to be fully awakened by it. You will see how magical the environment surrounding you is.
5. Speed and posture
Take it slow with small steps. Allow your hands and arms to swing freely at your sides, behind your back, or in front of your body around the height of your diaphragm or navel. Just let them move the way you feel comfortable.
The main purpose of walking meditation is to make yourself genuine with your true sensations and feelings while your body is moving. It helps you focus on yourself regardless of the surroundings, thereby figuring out your own problems and easing your mind. Meditation seems hard to practice, but not impossible. Start small with a 10 or 20-minute walk per day, gradually, you’ll find the most suitable practice for yourself.
