Walking Meditation As Moving Mindfulness
In today’s episode, I’m talking about some different options for exploring mindfulness, and how to choose among the variety of tools and techniques that can support your practice. Specifically, I’ll be discussing Walking Meditation as moving mindfulness. Walking Meditation is a traditional form of practice in the Buddhist tradition, usually taught in combination with sitting meditation.
Episode Details:
While it is a very traditional aspect of the mindfulness tradition, Walking Meditation doesn’t tend to get as much attention as seated meditation. It’s rare to get much instruction on how to go about practicing Walking Meditation, or to hear an explanation of how it fits in to the overall “toolbox” of mindfulness techniques.
In my experience, I’ve found that Walking Meditation is sometimes a better option (or entry point to practice) for some, because it can affect the nervous system differently than other meditations. For those with anxiety, or who find sitting still extra difficult, Walking Meditation is an excellent option.
Points you’ll hear about in this episode on Walking Meditation as Moving Mindfulness:
- Different types of Walking Meditation
- How Walking Meditation can be helpful for “de-compartmentalizing” how we think of movement and mindfulness practices
- How this moving meditation contributes to balancing the qualities of alertness and calm in the body/mind
I also give some simple instructions for trying the style of Walking Meditation I practice – you can try this at home! And, then the episode ends with a funny story about how I once (accidentally) freaked out the neighbors with my slow, mindful walking ways.
Links & Resources from this episode:
- Try this 12-minute Walking Meditation practice in the Moved To Meditate Class Library. (Podcast listeners can access it free by entering the code FREEWALK at check out. No purchase or card required.)
- Episode 30 of the MTM Podcast covered the fascinating style of Labyrinth Walking Meditation – listen to this conversation with Peggy Burt!
For more movement-based mindfulness practices, check out the Moved To Meditate Class Library! You can sign up for a Free Library Card and access five featured classes from the catalog each month.
