Walking burns calories, strengthens muscles, carries a low risk of injury, builds denser bones, is easy on fragile joints, requires little preparation or equipment and can be done anywhere. And that’s not all. If you engage your mind through a method called “walking meditation,” you may find that getting great exercise is only the beginning of the mindful walking experience.
Walking meditation, also called mindful walking, combines the basic principles of meditation, such as breathing, concentration and relaxation with rhythmic walking. “As with traditional meditation, walking meditation can reduce your blood pressure and heart rate, create feelings of well-being, help you sleep, improve your mood and help you manage stress,” says Shirley Archer, a fitness expert who teaches walking meditation workshops at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif.
Walking meditation is fairly new to the United States, having originated with Buddhist monks, but there are a growing number of classes and workshops now available. Even the corporate world is engaging in mindful walking: Some businesses incorporate group walking meditation in team-building events and company wellness programs.
For workshops in your area, check with gyms, yoga studios, meditation centers, community colleges, universities, spas that have fitness activities and Buddhist educational centers.
If you can’t find a class or want to go solo, Archer makes the following suggestions:
Find a spot. Choose a place, indoors or outdoors, where you feel confident and can walk comfortably.
Find your breath. Walk slowly and focus on your breathing. Count the number of steps you take as you inhale and exhale. Take four steps on the inhale and four on the exhale.
Find a mantra. Say a phrase to yourself (one word for each step) such as, “I am at peace, all is well now.” The mantra will make it easier for you to focus on walking and quiet your mind from thoughts related to the rest of your life.
Find your senses. As you move, observe the sensory experience of the walk. Feel the ground against your feet, the texture of your clothes against your skin, and the breath flowing through your nostrils and notice the sounds, smells and sights around you, especially if you’re outside.
Find patience. Don’t get frustrated if you have trouble staying focused. It’s not easy to do, but the benefits are many if you stick with meditative walking. Concentrate on your breathing and, as Archer recommends, “Let the walk, walk you.”
I have the same challenge as you do. I fall a sleep with out warning! So I suggest, as you do, to always make sure the life guard is on duty when anyone participates in this kind of meditation. I also let the life guard know of my falling a sleep challange, I feel that will keep them on their toes a little more. HeHe
This is a wonderful article, and helpful comments. Thank you to everyone.