When we're on automatic pilot, we sometimes fall into habits of unhealthy thinking that lead to stress. Walking Meditation brings us back to our Center, back to Living In The Now. You don't need to 'make' time to do this, it can be done on a hike or simply walking to your car. You become more aware – moment to moment – of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. Being more aware of the world around you, you give yourself the possibility of greater freedom and more choice. This is something you can do right now. Have you wondered how those old monks could walk for weeks or years through forests and over mountains? I know they were practicing Walking Meditation. When being mindful during your walk, you will find that you become less stressed and more relaxed, able to cover more distance with less effort.
“Mindfulness is a way of paying attention, on purpose and non-judgmentally, to what goes on in the present moment in your body, mind and the world around you.”
~ Jon Kabat-Zinn
It's really quite simple. If you are a total beginner, take note of your steps while walking. Think silently to yourself "stepping, stepping, stepping" or "left, right, left, right." You will find more Peace at a slower speed than normal during this Meditation. Think of it like driving down the freeway. You need to slow down to read the signs...This will immediately bring you into the Now, the present moment.
As you progress through Walking Meditation, begin to become mindful of each footfall: (1) lifting the foot; (2) moving it forward; (3) pressing your heel to the ground; (4) rolling forward onto your toes; (5) pushing off the ground. After you get the hang of noting the steps of each footfall, you will begin to 'roll with it.' You begin to walk with Nature and not through Nature. You will become so Centered that you will connect with everything around you: sounds, smells, wind, gravity. You will sense the Life around you before you see it with your physical eyes. On the city streets and country trails, Nature is all around us.
When you have completed your Walking Meditation, you will find a greater Peace inside yourself. You will be able to concentrate more clearly on the issues you had before your walk. If you are a Spiritual person, this will help you quiet the mind to hear what Spirit has to say.
Pay gentle attention.
Let go of judgment.
Become present.
This will let Peace catch up with you =)
