If you have tried sitting meditation but found yourself unable to concentrate, then perhaps walking meditation is more your style. Walking meditation offers you all the benefits of meditation while being present. An added bonus is that you also get some exercise at the same time.
Walking meditation may sound strange if you are not familiar with its style. So, what is walking meditation? Simply put, it is the process of focusing your whole awareness on the activity of walking.
You can practise walking meditation while on your morning walk, but make sure there are no obstacles around. Ensure your walking path takes you away from busy roads before you start your walking meditation.
How to practise walking meditation?
💚. Find an unobstructed, safe space to walk;
💚. Start small in the backyard where you won’t be disturbed;
💚. Stand in stillness at the beginning of your walking route
💚. Prepare by bringing awareness to your body;
💚. Simply notice the sensations in your legs and feet as you shift them from side to side;
💚. Lift your head and look ahead at the path laid out in front of you;
💚. Lift your chest and breathe deeply;
💚. Hold your hands loosely at your sides or gently behind your back; then
💚. Begin walking slowly towards the end of your safe path.
When you reach the end of your safe path, stop to take a mindful breath. Then repeat the above steps by turning around and walking back along the path
Walking meditation may seem like a challenge at first, but with regular practise it will become second nature.
Your challenge this week.
Take ten minutes at some point during your day, preferably in the morning, and practise walking with full awareness of your surroundings. Let me know in the comments how you felt. What fiddle you notice about yourself or your surroundings? Let me know how you go and if you found any challenges or enlightened moments by emailing wholisticlife@outlook.com.au