The Surprising Benefits Of Walking Meditation.

When we think about meditation, we often picture picture ourselves sitting down, in a chair or on a pillow, yet meditation can take many shape. Walking meditation or forest bathing can be a pretty powerful way to practice and reach bliss.

While forest bathing coupled with mindful exercices is a uniquely powerful practice, one doesn't need to be in the forest to harvest the benefits from meditation. So whether you are walking in the streets, on the beach, or anywhere for that matter, consider these benefits of walking meditation give the exercice a try! I would love to read your feedback on social (@dina_leroux)

You'll also find below suggestions for how to get started.

6 Crazy Benefits of Walking Meditation

1. Learn a popular technique. Walking meditation is actually a common exercise and alternative to seated meditation. While not as popular, it has become very common in retreat centers and spiritual destinations. By getting acquainted with this method, you’ll be ready to join into a growing practice.

2. Get off to a good start. People who are new at meditation may find it uncomfortable to sit for long periods. Taking a stroll provides a different approach to launching a meditation practice. Plus if like most people you spend your days seated at a desk, your body will appreciate the exercise.

3. Reduce agitation. When stress builds up, it is a lot better to offer your body movement. Rather than skipping a session altogether, just stay on your two feet.

4. Manage fatigue. As unusual and surprising as it may seem, walking meditation is a great way to deal with exhaustion. It's easy to nod off if you were up all night finishing a report or nursing a sick child. Remaining erect and active on your feet will definitely keep you alert until you can get the rest you need.

5. Exercise more. Meditation is as wonderful for your body as it is for your mind. Every bit of physical activity counts when it comes to staying healthy. A walking meditation of 15 minutes to an hour is a gentle, but effective, workout.

6. Integrate mindfulness into ordinary activities. One of the main purpose of meditation is to develop a clearer mind, detached from feelings, that you can rely on all day long. When you get used to walking while meditating, you’ll become more skilled at generating positive thoughts in any setting.

How to Practice Walking Meditation

1. Create a path. Decide a route for yourself. You could decide to simply walk around your living room, go to a local park, or use your route to work, park a bit further away from your office and walk the extra 10/15 minutes. If you stick to an area you know well, it will be easier to minimize distractions.

2. Focus on your feet. Start out by noting each step. Over time, you’ll become more aware of the many individual movements involved. Imagine that your soles are caressing the earth. For accrued impact and if possible, remove your shoes to feel a stronger connexion to the earth. (I encourage you to read and research about earthing)

3. Pace yourself. Most people find that a slower pace leads to becoming more deliberate and attentive. I recommend you start out walking the way you usually do and slowly but surely ease up.

4. Lower your eyes. Try keeping your eyes half shut and a soft gaize aimed at the ground a couple of feet ahead of you. If you’re in an environment where there are too many obstacles to do this, relax and enjoy the scenery.

5. Position your arms. Lower your shoulders and let your arms hang along the side of your body. You can clasp your hands gently in front of your lower abdomen.

6. Draw a smile to your face. Let a smile shine on your face from within. Let that smile spark positive emotions of gratefulness and happiness. Appreciate your environment and bring your attention on soothing images like flower gardens, snowy mountains, etc.

7. Turn it off. Leave your earphones at home. Put aside your plans for the evening. Observe the stillness in your mind. Nothing is more important that NOW. So make this you-time your utter priority: No distraction.

8. Mindful Breathing. Couple your walk with regular deep breaths intakes from your diaphragm. Feel your abdomen rise with every inhale and fall with every exhale. As an option you can hold your breath for 2 seconds before exhaling for added health benefits. Gradually synchronize your footsteps and your breath in whatever pattern is natural and sustainable.

9. Prepare for sitting meditation. Walking meditation can be an wonderful transition to a sitting meditation. A brief walking meditation session may help you clear your head and dissolve tension in your body so you can concentrate better.

10. Alternate between walking and sitting. Another good use for walking meditation is to make it an alternative to your sitting meditation practice. If your foot gets a cramp or you just want to move around, meditating on your feet will help you extend your practice time as you get started with meditating.

I hope this presentation of walking meditation will help you kick start or diversify your practice by meditating while walking. IIt will help you apply mindfulness to more of your daily routine so that you can enjoy greater peace and contentment.