Search:

Walking Meditation - Good for the Body, Good for the Soul

By: Barbara Williamson 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 consider: why not use your walking exercise as a time for meditation?. Most people take up walking because it's a great form of exercise, it is easy on the joints and it isn't complicated to learn.

There's no special equipment required. You just start walking and you are immediately on the path to excellent health. If you combine this with meditation, or mindful walking, you will find the benefits immeasurable.

What is walking meditation? Walking meditation is when you consciously focus on your every step. No need to increase your speed, in fact, you will more than likely begin by walking at a slower pace so you can get the hang of the practice of meditating while walking.

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

Here are some basic tips for walking meditation:

* Walk in an area that you are familiar and comfortable with.

* Attempt to walk for a 20 minute time period. If you find that is too long for you, then you may want to begin with a 5 minute period and work your way up to 20 minutes.

* Start your walking in a relaxed but not a slouched posture.

* Focus on the sensations in your feet.

* Relax your arms.

* Keep your focus gentle and about 3-6 feet in front of you.

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.

Just start walking.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

Barbara Williamson lives in Birmingham, Alabama and writes articles on Alternative Health. Go to Alternative Healing to access more valuable information on this topic. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated