This inquiry has caused me to reflect on practices I’ve always done for the feel-good effects, but never in the pursuit of a more mindful life. For instance, I have always known that I feel better after taking an evening or morning walk, but I’ve never particularly tied this to meditation or mindfulness, I’ve more-so thought of it as just the benefit of exercise.
I found an interesting article about walking meditation through Gaiam, which explains the mindful benefits of the practice:
“Walking meditation is a way to practice moving without a goal or intention… Mindful walking allows us to be aware of the pleasure of walking. We can keep our steps slow, relaxed, and calm. There is no rush, no place to get to, no hurry. Mindful walking can release our sorrows and our worries and help bring peace into our body and mind.”
I decided to try to go for at least a 20 minute walk each day, and to try to make these walks be without a destination. What I found was that while I enjoyed walking, I often found myself stressed out about trying to find time to take one. Moreover, I found my mind drifting while walking to the many things I had to do at home. It wasn’t a form of mediation in which I can lose myself, like yoga or journaling.
I think while I can see the benefits of walking meditation, particularly the value of movement and fresh air, for me it a practice better enjoyed when I have the time for it and not as a prescribed regime.
