Walking Meditation

Walking meditation is a Buddhist moving meditation that uses the experience of walking as the focal point to help you ground and be in the present moment.

Some of the benefits of walking meditation:
*Deeper connection to the environment
*Reduces anxiety
*Reduces depression
*Improves concentration and focus
As Spring is hopefully just around the corner, I dream of walking in the arms of the sunshine. I love to walk in nature and take off my shoes in the green, plush grass and feel the Earth under my feet.

In Germany, they have Barefuss Parks (Barefoot parks) where you walk on paths with different textures; glass, grass, rocks, sand, mud, water, woodchips, and so much more. No one worries about lawsuits there, it is all in good fun. This was one of my favorite memories in Europe. Walking through the woods on a man-made path with the different textures under my toes and the experience of sensations that comes with each. One day we plan to have a Barefuss path at our Retreat Center. Until then, take a walk with me.

Step outside, dressed for whatever weather. Walk 10-15 steps with mindfulness throughout the whole body. Feel the earth settle under every part of your stride and step. Feel how your ankles shift and adjust to the uneven terrain. With the speed of a sloth, make your own path. It’s about the journey, not the destination.

Listen to the sounds surrounding you, both distant and near. Feel the breath in your chest, the breeze on your skin, the weather. See the colors in their ultimate vibrancy and the beauty in the simple, mundane, everyday things. This step, this breath, this moment a blessing.

Walk 10-15 more steps and do the same thing. Pausing to take it all in with your senses, without purpose of getting somewhere or burning calories, instead search for the miraculous right in front of your eyes.