Can You Give Some Instructions On Walking Meditation?
As I've mentioned in earlier posts, walking meditation can come across as somewhat awkward at first. Most meditators do sitting meditation with their eyes closed, while walking meditation is done with the eyes open. Given some practice, you'll get used to it.
Let's take a look at one of the most basic forms of walking meditation. Either practice in nature or in the privacy of your home. If possible, walk barefoot or in shoes with soft soles. This way you'll be able to feel more of what's going on under your feet.
So, stand normally and either look straight ahead or on the ground in front of you. Don't worry about meditating with your eyes open, with practice it will become second nature.
One pointer about the eyes, though. You're not supposed to look around while doing walking meditation, just look straight ahead without focusing on anything in particular.
Now, as you slowly start to pace forward pay close attention to what each step feels like.
There are no hard rules when it comes to how fast you should walk, however, it's easier when you walk slowly. This way you get more time to feel your feet.
With practice, you'll naturally find a pace that will suit your mood. The speed itself is of no importance, what matters here is to pay attention to the sensations in the soles of your feet.
I recommend that you walk back and forth along a 10-yard stretch, as opposed to walking for 20 minutes along a track in the forest. There would be more distractions along the track which makes it harder to concentrate. The length of the stretch is of little importance, I would say that anything from 5-25 yards would do.
With experience, you can practice walking meditation almost anywhere. But for optimal support, start out in the stillness of nature or in the privacy of your own home.
Give it a try and let me know how your practice is coming along...
Best of luck!
Let's take a look at one of the most basic forms of walking meditation. Either practice in nature or in the privacy of your home. If possible, walk barefoot or in shoes with soft soles. This way you'll be able to feel more of what's going on under your feet.
So, stand normally and either look straight ahead or on the ground in front of you. Don't worry about meditating with your eyes open, with practice it will become second nature.
One pointer about the eyes, though. You're not supposed to look around while doing walking meditation, just look straight ahead without focusing on anything in particular.
Now, as you slowly start to pace forward pay close attention to what each step feels like.
There are no hard rules when it comes to how fast you should walk, however, it's easier when you walk slowly. This way you get more time to feel your feet.
With practice, you'll naturally find a pace that will suit your mood. The speed itself is of no importance, what matters here is to pay attention to the sensations in the soles of your feet.
I recommend that you walk back and forth along a 10-yard stretch, as opposed to walking for 20 minutes along a track in the forest. There would be more distractions along the track which makes it harder to concentrate. The length of the stretch is of little importance, I would say that anything from 5-25 yards would do.
With experience, you can practice walking meditation almost anywhere. But for optimal support, start out in the stillness of nature or in the privacy of your own home.
Give it a try and let me know how your practice is coming along...
Best of luck!