Walking Meditations: A Path to Peace and Greater Self-Awareness

When most people think of meditation, they think of people sitting in silence, usually on a mat on the floor, trying to empty their minds and make the chatter inside their heads go away.

To some, it even looks like these people are asleep, or immersed in some kind of trance.

In the course of my 30-odd years in the self-improvement field, I have met many folks who say "Meditation just doesn't work for me!" generally citing an inability to sit still for so long; maybe their legs cramp, maybe they lack the focus; maybe there's some other reason. Often they are a bit sad, because they really want the calming benefits of meditating.

And there definitely are health benefits — mental and physical — to be derived from meditation.

Leaves in the sun

Although I have meditated sporadically for some 30 years, it wasn't until I was diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) some ten years ago that I "got serious" about meditation. And I have to admit that it has significantly helped me stay calm when stressful situations arise, and I'm sure it's a significant contributing factor to my blood pressure being back in the "normal" range, again.

Not ALL Meditation is "Still"

Like many, it was somewhat of a struggle for me to simply sit down and fall into a meditative state.

The good news is that the idea that meditation has to be "sitting" is more of a mis-informed stereotype than reality.

I regularly practice a "walking meditation," generally in nature, but most often on the beach, and get absolutely as much benefit-- if not MORE-- than I have ever gotten from "traditional" sitting meditation.

Nature works really well as a backdrop for reaching a meditative state. As I mentioned, I personally prefer the beach, where the sound of the water serves as a sort of "white noise" backdrop that blocks out the artificial sounds that typically make it difficult for people to stay focused.

Flathead Lake, Montana

However, a smooth path through the forest or in a park can work just as well. The main thing to keep in mind is that a fairly flat and even path works best, so you're not constantly having to worry about where you are placing your feet, and whether you are going to trip and fall. You want your walking to become fairly "automatic."

Oh... and leave the electronic devices in the car, or at home!

It's not Just "Going For a Walk"

You might be wondering how a "walking meditation" is ANY different from just "walking on the beach." And that's a good and readonable question. The short and easy answer is "intent."

Simply walking on the beach (or on a path in the woods, or in the park) without intent is a mostly random act... your eyes wander around and your mind distracts itself with looking at people, plants, birds and thinking about totally arbitrary things. One moment you're thinking about work, the next about paying bills, then about a friend, then about the wind. Sometimes you walk quickly, sometimes slowly.

In a walking meditation, you set the specific intent that will lead to stillness in your mind.

Autumn leaves in the sun

When I do mine, I have different ways of reaching a still state. Most often, I just find a place where my eyes naturally fix on the ground, some 10-15 feet (3-5m) ahead of me, and then I focus on silently counting off my steps to 100. When I get to 100, I start over at one and repeat and repeat. After a while, the only thing I am aware of is the sound of waves, the sound of my breathing, and the repetitive counting. Sometimes I'll just find-- and focus on-- my heartbeat, as I walk. Or, instead of counting my footsteps, I'll say a right-left-right-left "mantra," of sorts.

After many years of doing this, I now find it quite easy to "empty my head" and simply be IN my body, in the moment, without thoughts. Because I am outdoors for these meditations, I come back home with not only a refreshed mind and spirit, but a refreshed and relaxed body, as well.

Do I ever get "off track?" Of course, but the key here is to be mindful that your thoughts are wandering, and then to simply start your "count" from a non-judgmental place. Beating yourself up for "failing" is counter productive, so don't do that!

Slightly different "flavor" post this evening — thanks for reading!

How about YOU? Do you meditate? Have you ever tried meditations that were not just "sitting still?" How did it work for you? Do you believe meditation has health benefits? Leave a comment-- share your experiences-- be part of the conversation!

(As usual, all text and images by the author, unless otherwise credited. This is original content, created expressly for Steemit)
Created at 181219 23:38 PST