Step into Serenity: The Art of Walking Meditation

Walking Meditation, Check out the Benefits of Mindful Walking. Why is it important for your mental and physical health, What it actually is, and How to go about Practicing it.

Stuck in a rut? Want to feel something that'll push you to feel alive? Maybe try walking meditation.

Like your usual meditation, walking meditation has many benefits including the practice of moving your body.

What is Walking Meditation?

Walking Meditation is all about bringing awareness to the activity that you're doing without thinking. Think about it. How often do you actually think about walking while you're walking? Personally I never think about it. When you begin to actually meditate with your senses you actually become aware of the feeling of the ground beneath your feet, the rhythm of your steps, your body's movement, and the air's sensation against your skin.

The great thing about walking meditation is that it can be done anywhere! On a street, in your home, maybe even at the gym or park! It is a versatile practice that can be fixed to fit your preference, and it not about walking in a certain way or at a certain time.

It may seem like an easy thing to do, but mindful walking can be challenging. While we usually walk without thinking, or walk while thinking about other things, walking with the purpose of thought can be a huge barrier to our subconscious. But that's where the magic happens. In the moments of intentional awareness, we truly connect with our present situation.

The Benefits of Walking Meditation.

It isn't just a way to fit your meditation into a busy schedule, it also becomes a welcoming host of benefits to your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Here are just a couple of examples.

• Walking meditation can lower stress, depression, and anxiety.

The combination of physical activity, mindfulness, and deep breathing can help to reduce stress and anxiety. As you walk, your not only shifting your mind toward a state of relaxation, but also moving your body. This can lead to a noticeable improvement in your mood and emotional state.

• It can improve mental focus, clarity, and memory.

Walking meditation can have a positive impact on your cognitive abilities. By focusing on the sensations of your surroundings and walking, your training yourself to stay attentive and present in the moment, and over time this can improve to more focus, clarity, and memory.

• Walking Meditation enhances physical health.

As a low-impact exercise, walking can improve physical health in a number of ways! It can improve balance, digestion, and blood flow, and also help regulate blood sugar levels. These can lead to you feeling healthier and happier, plus walking is a great way to connect with nature, improve sleep and get some fresh air!

• It promotes deeper mindfulness and gratitude.

Warning! You may sense a development of awe and gratitude when you're practicing walking meditation. This could be found in a number of different ways, from the beauty of the environment to the simple act of breathing. The heightened awareness can lead to a bigger appreciation for the world and a stronger connection with nature.

How to Practice Walking Meditation.

Are you ready to try it out? Here's a simple Step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Choose Your Path.

Choose your location. It can be anywhere, around the house, down the street, at a park, at the lake or even the beach. The key is to chose a place where there are no distractions and you feel comfortable.

2. Connect with Your Breath.

Before you decide to just begin walking, take a small moment to focus on your breath and feel the air entering and leaving your body. This helps to center your mind from all the worries and distract from all the planning we tend to fall into when walking.

3. Pay Attention to your Senses and Sensations.

Since this meditation requires you to keep your eyes open, bring attention to your senses, Sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. Focus on the sensations in your body, from your feet connecting with the ground, to the movement of your legs, and the rhythm of your steps. No need to over think this, just something to keep in mind while you move.

4. Find your Rhythm.

Try to match your breathing with your steps. Inhale for every three steps and exhale for every three steps. Find a rhythm that works and feels comfortable for you.

Common Challenges with Walking Meditation.

• Lack of Time: Even five to ten minutes of mindful walking daily can help, try incorporating it into exercise breaks.

• Weather Issues: Walk indoors as needed or bundle up in the cold weather while also picking shady routes during hot days.

• Self-consciousness: Remind yourself that others are too focused on themselves to focus on your, or if you would like, pick private routes.

• Staying Focused: Using coordinating steps with breaths or mantras can gently return the focus when the mind wanders.

With patience and creativity, most of these common hurdles can be overcome. The benefits are worth it!

What are your thoughts on Walking Meditation?

Want to weigh in and tell us what you think or have already done? I'd love to hear from you about the results of trying walking meditation for yourself!