What is Walking Meditation, and Will it Make Me Like Meditating?
Walking meditation can be much more beginner-friendly than regular seated meditation. And the health benefits of walking meditation are numerous, from lower stress, improved sleep quality, and increased focus and concentration. This type of meditation, along with others, can also lower blood pressure.
A Gift For Over-Thinkers Who Want To Take Control of Their Minds
In addition, walking meditation is a gift for those of us who have trouble staying in the present and in tune with our bodies over our minds (which, let's admit, are frequently anticipating the future.)
Because you're moving, you are present in your surroundings. The intense concentration makes you aware of how you are moving, stepping, and breathing, which connects you back to nature and the moment. *You're also less likely to fall asleep.*
The practice is rumored to have begun with Buddhism. It is a mindfulness practice, those who do it say they are more serene and able to cultivate a unique (new) awareness of the connection between body, surroundings, and mind.
There are Many Types of Walking Meditation; Here are Six.
If you frequently drift during mindfulness practices, we recommend trying this variation which uses backward and forwards walking.
Zen Walking Meditation (Kinhin)
If you enjoy seated meditation, then try increasing your time and adding some walking in-between, as monks do in the Buddhist practice of Kinhin.
Thich Nhat Hanh Walking Meditation
Thich Nhat Hahn is an immensely spiritual, uplifting, and beautiful version of walking mindfulness practice. We recommend you read about it in his own words here, but we'll leave you with this poem by Thich Nhat Hanh first. "Take my hand. We will walk. We will only walk. We will enjoy our walk without thinking of arriving anywhere.
Mindfulness Walking Meditation
This is a simple, do-anywhere practice. You'll couple your walk with breathing or focus exercises.
This is apparently a lesser discussed version of walking meditation. Instead of observing your breath, you actively guide your breathing in tune with your steps or pranayama (breathing regulation.)
Daoist (Taoist) Circle Walking Meditation
"By walking in a circle, the practitioner strives for stillness in movement," how poetic does that sound, and nearly impossible? Actually, Daoist Circle Walking meditation isn't outlandish. It's a way of training your body while harnessing your spirit, says blogger Mike Garofalo.
With whatever version you try (or all of them) it's a sure method to make movement a more meaningful part of your life. We have one body to live in, and staying active is one of the greatest gifts we can give it.