Everyone knows the value of walking. It helps your heart, your circulation and your tummy (a great calorie burner)
But here is something else for you to think about: why not use your walking as a time for meditation?. Most people start walking because it’s an excellent form of exercise, injuries are rarely experienced and there is no learning involved. Easy, easy, easy.
You don’t need any special equipment. Just start walking and you are instantly on your way to better health. When you add meditation to your walking, you will find the experience invaluable.
So what is mindful walking or walking meditation? Walking meditation is when you consciously pay attention to your every step. With mindful walking, there is no need to increase your pace, in fact, you might begin by walking at a slower pace so you can get the hang of walking meditation.
When you focus on your walking, focus on how it feels as you raise your foot then place it back down, one step at a time. The practice of mindful walking has its roots in Buddhism, in particular the art of Ayatana. Christianity also has its version of walking meditation: walking the labyrinth.
Using walking as meditation helps you stay focused on the here and now. As you become more skilled at this practice, you will find yourself better able to let go of your worries and stress.
Common forms of meditation have you sitting with eyes closed, concentrating within. With walking meditation, your eyes are wide open, absorbing the outside world. This gives you the opportunity to break away from the mind and all its clutter; a priceless tool, especially for us westerners
Basic guidelines for walking meditation:
* It is best to conduct your walking meditation in an area that you are comfortable with.
* Your goal is to walk for a 20 minute time period (or more if you wish). In the beginning, if that is too long for you, then you may want to begin with a 5 minute period and gradually work your way up to a 20 minute time period.
* Begin walking with good and relaxed posture.
* Concentrate on how your feet feel.
* Let your arms hang down in a relaxed manner.
* Gently focus about three to six feet in front of you as you walk.
In conclusion, mindful walking is a practice that is easy to implement into your daily exercise regiment. Not only will you be helping your body out, but you will be taking your exercise program up a notch by improving your mind and spirit.
Enjoy your walk!!