Perhaps you have already heard of many types of meditation popularized by spiritual groups such as Tibetan Buddhists, Chinese or even Transcendental Meditation by the famous Mahareshi Yogi. There are still different forms of meditation that one can learn but most of the meditation techniques are done while being seated comfortably in an upright position. It may be new and peculiar but there is a form of meditation known as walking meditation.
Meditation by walking is also focusing one’s thoughts but instead of using images, one shifts the focus to the walking experience itself. One has to be very intuitive and aware in performing this type of meditation since it takes some effort to focus since our eyes are open while walking. As opposite to sitting, the eyes must be closed so the thoughts could be filled with calming images. Walking on the other hand is an activity that engages full awareness since we may trip or stumble if we are not mindful the path we are treading.
A carefully chosen pathwalk located in a forest or park can be a good start for a walking meditation. Having too many people around is quite distracting so choosing a quiet path in a forest , clearing or beach can help enhance the experience. In typical meditation a person is seated ,while in walking meditation the person must have presence of mind since its possible to trip over a rock. According to people who practice walking meditation, this makes their sense heightened since they cannot fall asleep or make the thoughts wonder lest their feet make them stumble .Although the mind is focused on meditation, it still needs to guide the lower limbs lest the person stumbles.A more detailed aspect of walking meditation such as noticing the lifting and landing of the foot on surfaces are explained by walking meditation books available online. Usually, some instructional materials have sample music which can be used for this meditation that can enhance focus .
