Walking and Meditation
Meditation Walking is defined as a method of walking and meditating at the same time and you may also hear it referred to as: Contemplative or Spiritual Walking Practices, Labyrinth Walking, Pilgrimages, Quests. Many churches and spiritual groups organize meditation walking for members of their congregation/group. Often they provide an opportunity for complete silence during the walks even if you are walking in a group. Everyone is silent and meditating in their own faith. Each person walks their own pace. They may stop and read a meditation book or write in their journal. Not only are they organized and offered to adults, they are offered to the teens as well.
The Meditation Walking is not concern about the activity of walking as it is on the spiritual side and nature. They concentrate on the stepping of their feet. Such as: there are four stages in taking each step when you walk; and they are: (1) lifting the foot; (2) moving it forward; (3) putting it down; and (4) touching or pressing the foot on the ground. By paying close attention to these four stages of walking meditation seems to provide a way of accepting the true sense of reality of body motion and the spiritual side of life. I know when I want to escape from my thoughts and problems. I concentrate on walking; such as, I say to myself “right foot forward; left foot forward” and I keep saying that over and over and soon my problems take a much needed rest and my brain can be active keeping track of my physical activity and soothes away the negative thoughts. I’m not sure that is spiritual; however, it does have a healing effect and I feel “refreshed”.
It reduces anxiety, stress and depression because you are going beyond yourself into the spiritual arena. I know my bother, a minister, goes every year with a group of other ministers on a meditation walk. He always says he comes back “refreshed” on life and helping other people. His walk is silent. He does not speak to anyone for a whole weekend and he writes in his journal his thoughts. Most of these types of walks are held in the outdoors, wooded if possible because there are fewer distractions.
My goal is to walk 5 times a week for 1 hour, 40 minutes for each walk or 10,000 steps.
While I walk I drift in and out of a meditative state. I always enjoy this time and feel that I am one with my creator. I am truly happy and centered. I am also grateful that I can physically do this and that I live in a country where I can do this.
Walking is a time for reflective thought, planning for the future and a time just to enjoy life at a slower pace.
Keep on walking.
Walking meditation also provides the walker with a sense of oneness with his/her environment. As you walk, each time your foot touches the earth, smile. Remember to observe your breath as you take each step.