Lama Tsomo and Khen Rinpoche describe mindfulness simply as remembering what we are doing. How often are we walking through life without paying attention to the fact that we are walking or taking in the sights around us? Often it seems that we are moving too fast to notice what we are doing. For most of us, back to school time or life transitions in general create additional stress. On top of that, a lot of us no longer have access to the physical activities we took part in before Covid 19. For example, yoga, dance, and fitness classes are harder to attend. Adding walking meditation to your schedule can help move some of that anxiety through the body. All kinds of walking meditations are available. Here are a few gems that we found on the web. If you’re feeling stale in your regular practice, these might be great ways to change things up. There’s no shortage of options, so try them and see what feels best for you.
How to Practice Walking Meditation
Lion’s Roar
Author Leslie Booker provides instructions for placing full attention to the process of walking. She discusses how for some, walking meditation may be more accessible than sitting.
The Benefits of Walking Meditation
Lion’s Roar
Sayadaw U Silananda discusses the importance, significance, and benefits of a walking meditation practice, as sitting in the same position for long periods of time is not an option for everyone.
Thich Nhat Hanh on Walking Meditation
Lion’s Roar
Thich Nhat Hanh shares that walking meditation may be a profound way to deepen our connection with the earth and ourselves, a way of coming home.
The Mindfulness Bell
Performance Improvement Specialist Matthew Huston gives an account of his modified practice from his wheelchair and how he has developed mindful movement.
Walking: Meditation on the Move
Tricycle
Achaan Chah, Sylvia Boorstein, Yasutani Roshi, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Thich Nhat Hanh, Joan Halifax, Bruce Chatwin, Henry David Thoreau, and Matsuo Basho share approaches to walking meditation.
Jack Kornfield
Jack provides a six-minute guided walking meditation to help listeners come to a centered and aware place.
Let us know in the comments if you try one and what you think! Happy trails!
Published on Aug 27 02 : 14 pm