Walking Meditation
“The practice of mindful walking is a profound and pleasurable way to deepen your connection with your body and the earth. We breathe, take a mindful step, and come back to our true home.”
This is a traditional Buddhist meditation practice. It is known in Chinese as “kinhin,” which means “to walk straight back and forth” or to move like the thread in a loom, which weaves through both ways.
This kind of meditation practice can be a very helpful way to feel grounded and connected to the earth, while bring more awareness and presence into both your body and mind. Each mindful breath, each mindful step, reminds us that we are alive on this beautiful planet.
To begin, you will first need to select a comfortable, quiet place where you have just enough space to walk back and forth. This could be the length of a yoga mat, or any area that feels safe and peaceful.
Start this practice by feeling the pressure of standing and any sensations in your feet. Then slowly lift one foot and place it consciously down just in front of the other foot, becoming acutely aware of the sensations that arise with lifting, placing, and shifting your weight into your foot as it touches down against the earth.
Next, slowly lift the other foot to make your second slow and methodical step.
Repeat until you reach the end of your path, where you can stand quietly for a moment before slowly turning and walking back along your same path.
This practice can also be performed by walking in a circle pattern.
You can practice this walking meditation for as long as you have time for. I would recommend anywhere from 5-60 minutes. Use this simple walking meditation to calmly collect yourself and bring periods of relaxed awareness into your day.
Only when we are able to bring the mind and body together in union are we truly present in whatever activity we are doing. Healing is not possible without this connection. So walk and breathe in such a way that you can connect with your body deeply and infuse more awareness into your experience of being alive!
Now it’s your turn…
If you have questions about practicing walking meditation let me know in the comments below.
Also, if you have never practiced this kind of meditative walking, give it a try and let me know how you like it! What came up for you? How did it feel? Will you continue to make this a regular practice?
I’d love to hear more about your experiences with this type of meditation practice. ❤
