Cultivate Mind-Body Connection With Walking Meditation
Over a decade ago, wanting to reap the benefits of meditation, I sought ways to incorporate it into my life without having to still for a length of time, which is very challenging for someone new to meditation.
But that didn’t stop me from doing a little research.
I discovered a type of meditation that was suitable to my beginner’s level that helped me cultivate inner peace and happiness and, best of all, progress to a higher level of meditation. Yes, I can sit still and meditate these days without losing focus to outside distractions!
I want to share a Walking Meditation technique with you should you be interested in a practice that can help you cultivate inner peace, awareness, and focus, be more present at the moment, and progress to a higher level of meditation.
But first, a little background on Walking Meditation:
Walking meditation has roots in various contemplative traditions, particularly in Buddhism. It is believed to have originated with the Buddha himself, who encouraged his disciples to practice mindfulness in all activities, including walking.
In Buddhist monastic communities, walking meditation, also known as kinhin in Zen Buddhism, is often practiced as a complement to seated meditation (zazen). It serves as a way to bring mindfulness and awareness into motion, allowing practitioners to integrate mindfulness into their daily activities.
Walking meditation has been practiced for centuries as a way to cultivate mindfulness, concentration, and insight. It is often practiced in conjunction with other forms of meditation, such as seated meditation or breath awareness. The slow and deliberate pace of walking meditation allows practitioners to focus on the sensations of walking, the movement of the body, and the environment around them.
Over time, walking meditation has gained popularity beyond Buddhist traditions and has been incorporated into various mindfulness-based practices and secular mindfulness programs.
It is now recognized as a valuable practice for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.
Today, walking meditation is practiced by people of different backgrounds and beliefs as a means to cultivate mindfulness, connect with the present moment, and find inner peace amidst the busyness of daily life.
