Lately I have discovered that walking meditation has a lot of benefits for your physical and mental health. I have been walking almost every day for around 30 minutes or more, and every time I went for a walk I felt a lot of relief and restfulness. There is something about walking in nature and focusing on your breath that brings a sense of calm and makes you feel more grounded. I normally walk with my brother and my dog, but I also like to go alone for longer walks from time to time.
The Benefits of Walking meditation | processing thoughts
When you are walking, it is easier to process your thoughts. Because you are focusing on every step you take and looking around you, you are automatically thinking less and being more present. That is why it is a good idea to take a walk if you are feeling down. Walking can also enhance you meditation practices. Sometimes, it is really hard for me to focus on my breath and on the different parts of my body. At those times I have a lot of disturbing thoughts. If I then go for a walk, I am better able to meditate afterwards, because I was able to calm my racing mind. It is a great idea to combine sitting meditation with walking meditation, because it deepens the meditation practice.
Reduced stress and anxiety
Walking meditation is also very effective in reducing stress and anxiety. Especially if you are walking in a forest, or near a mountain or other place in nature, you can feel more connected and less anxious or worried. It can be very hard to find peace in a world full of distractions, but walking is a way to forget about your worries for a while and get back to your inner self. It is also a lot of fun to explore new areas and visit beautiful places. The great thing about walking meditation is that it is very simple and yet refreshing.
How to incorporate walking meditation in your day
You can do walking meditation for as long as you want. If you have to work, maybe you can walk with colleagues during your break. It does not matter where you live, although some places are quieter than others. You can walk with friends or with family, or alone. I like to walk with my brother and dog for roughly 30 minutes a day, but you can also walk for 5 minutes. There is always a moment in the day to leave your work behind and take a walk. If you do sitting meditation, it is perfect to combine it with walking as well.
I hope you found this article useful. I have also written other articles about meditation. You can find one here. You can also check out a video about walking meditation here.
Have a peaceful day,
Mart Bergsma
