MENTAL HEALTH MONDAYS: Practice the Art of ‘Walking Meditation’ - The DV Walking Wounded:
The art of walking meditation is not as popular as traditional methods of meditation where you sit down in a form of a cross-legged position. However, walking meditation can prove to be more accessible and easier to renew your inspiration and energy.
The Art of Meditation
When you engage in walking meditation, you’ll be using some of the same principles as regular meditative practice. As always, you CAN use guided meditation, if needed for focus.
Here are some tips to use when beginning with meditation:
- Schedule yourself plenty of time, at least 30 minutes to an hour.
- Focus all of your attention on your breath.
- Try to avoid making noise as it may distract you.
- Concentrate solely on the present moment.
- Go with the flow.
- Follow the energy that your mind is giving you.
Introduction To Walking Meditation
Walking meditation differs from regular meditation in a few core ways. The most obvious is the fact that you’re walking instead of staying still. This is beneficial for those who think more clearly when they’re moving around. With having ADD and C-PTSD, I personally find this a better option.
Also, when you practice walking meditation, you can eventually engage in meditation as you complete day-to-day tasks. This is useful because you won’t always have enough time for a standard meditation session.
Use these strategies to enhance your experience as you begin walking meditation:
- Start by standing. Don’t begin walking right away. Stay calm and give yourself time to get into a steady pattern of breathing. Once you’ve achieved this balance, you can begin walking. This stage can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes; just do what feels right for you at the time.
- Choose your location. Have an idea in mind about where you’re going to walk before you start the practice. If you don’t have a plan in mind beforehand, you may be too distracted thinking about where you’re headed.
- It’s up to you where you want to walk, but choose a place that tends to be calm instead of busy. You can walk in a park and take in nature, or you can even walk in circles in a large empty room.
