Walking and Meditation

The Meditation Newsletter

Have you ever noticed how much clearer your thinking becomes when you walk? When walking, our busy minds seem to slow down, yet at the same time become more powerful (I have many of my best ideas when walking). You can use this phenomenon to help with your meditation.

I'm not talking about doing a traditional walking meditation. I'll cover that in another newsletter. Today, I want to show you how walking puts you in a calmer state that prepares you for meditation. Try it as I outline below, and you might have a deep experience of "being here now."

I first discovered this one evening in November, many years ago. I stood still, quietly looking out over a pond, where I often walked. The hills around the pond were gray with maple and beech trees, spotted with the reds, oranges, browns and yellows of the remaining leaves. It was almost dark as few flakes of snow began to fall. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

I had meditated before, and found it to be a great way to relax. This was different though. This time I just stood there paying attention to my breath for five or ten minutes. Nothing more. When I opened my eyes, everything was the same, yet everything had changed. The colors were more vivid, and the air fresher. Everything was more real.

If you've had a similar experience, you'll understand what I'm talking about immediately. If not, well, you may soon understand. Explaining more won't help much, as it is partly the lack of explaining that allows the experience in the first place. So much of our experience of the world is filtered through our concepts, that when we occasionally see plainly, without thought, it is like seeing for the first time.

To try this, find an area where you won't be interrupted. Walk until it becomes a natural rhythm. I imagine ten minutes would be the minimum, but we are all different. Stop where you'll have a nice view, and stand there comfortably, with your arms at your sides.

Close your eyes, relax, and breath through your nose. Breath deeply at first, and then let your breathing fall into a comfortable rhythm. Just pay attention to your breath. I think you'll find this easier after a walk than at home. If you do have many thoughts intruding, just keep returning your attention to your breath. Do this for five to ten minutes, or for 100 breaths (some find it easier if they count breaths). Then open your eyes.

I hope when you look around, you have the same kind of experience as I did. If not, don't worry. Try again sometime, or try another method. While we are all alike in essentials, we are also each unique in many ways. You'll find your way.

Next Issue:10 ways to improve your meditation.

Steve