Meditation Monday: Guide to Walking Meditation

According to WildMind.org, during walking meditation, the act of walking is the focus of the mind, instead of the breath, as in sitting meditation.

 We become mindful of our experience while walking, and try to keep our awareness involved with the experience of walking. ~ WildMind.org

Also, the eyes are left open, instead of closed. This means we are not “withdrawing” to the same degree as in sitting meditation. You become more aware of things around you. According to WildMind.org:

… there are many other things outside of ourselves that we will be more aware of than when we are doing sitting – especially if we sit inside. These include the wind, the sun, and the rain; and the sounds of nature and of humans and machines.~ WildMind.org

Why would we do walking meditation? During walking meditation, you use all facets of your being, physical, mental and emotional, as a basis for awareness. Learning how to do walking meditation can also help you be more aware, “in the moment” and mindful in your day to day living. According to WildMind.org, once the technique is learned, all walking can become a meditation.

For a wonderful guide to walking meditation, check out Wildmind.org.

Here is a walking meditation video with instructions and benefits: