Walking Meditation

Walking Meditation Poem
I take refuge in Mother Earth.
Every breath, every step
manifests our love.
Every breath brings happiness.
Every step brings happiness.
I see the whole cosmos in the earth.
                                    Thich Nhat Hanh
 
 
Today was a heavenly day in Tucson; the skies were overcast yet you could still see areas of cerulean blue amongst the cirrus clouds.  The temperature was in the high 70’s, so it was perfect for being outside and taking in the beauty of the spring foliage of the golden yellow Palo Verde tree blossoms. It was an ideal time for me to do a walking meditation.
 
The purpose of a walking meditation is to bring the body and mind together peacefully. This is not the time I do a power walk or actively pursue my 10,000 daily steps. When you practice mindful walking, your purpose is to bring your attention to the physical experience of walking. With a walking meditation you take small steps and you do not go anywhere.  Usually you have a goal to walk somewhere, but with a walking meditation you have no destination in mind. The goal is to be in the present moment with full awareness of the experience of walking – getting somewhere is not the goal.  When you walk mindfully, you see the beauty and the wonder of the earth around you, and you wake up. You can do a walking meditation inside, outside, by yourself, or with a group. 
 
 
Have you ever really slowed down and paid attention to the experience of walking?

Try walking mindfully and experiencing the beauty around you and share the experience.