What is walking meditation? It is a method of meditation wherein the meditators focus on walking as they sit or lie down, either in one posture or in a series of standing positions. Walking meditation is a more refined practice in terms of its philosophical underpinnings than other forms of meditation. It has been practiced in Tibet for centuries and is now being developed by a school of Buddhist in the United States.
How does walking meditation differ from, say, taken or walking without moving? Walking meditation allows the mediators to pay attention to every sensation in the environment. It involves the use of mindfulness to notice and investigate the sensations of the environment, which leads to greater understanding of self and surroundings. In zazen, a period of quiet contemplation lasts for several days, whereas this more intense phase of what is called walking meditation lasts several short minutes a day. The difference between the two is not specifically defined by the teacher, but it has been suggested that the former may help develop greater flexibility of thought and perception, while the latter may help prepare the meditator for more challenging Buddhist teachings.
One of the main goals of what is walking meditation is to let go of attachments to objects and people so as to allow room for deeper, more intense meditative states. This process may be likened to the health benefits of reducing stress through regular exercise. By allowing yourself to be fully aware of what is around you and your surroundings, you are more able to respond to the environment in a more healthy way, minimizing health risks and maximizing the positive effects of any experience. There are a variety of different health benefits associated with this type of meditation, including an increase in flexibility, improved mental health, better sleep, and an overall sense of mental clarity.
Another goal of what is walking meditation is to allow yourself to develop a greater awareness of your internal and external environment. While in this state, you may observe your thoughts and emotions, as well as the sensations that occur within you. This may include such sensations as heat on your skin, coolness off your body, or even feelings of anger or compassion. Allowing these sensations to enter your mind without effort is one of the goals of this type of meditation. In order to truly cultivate the benefits of what is walking meditation, you must be able to experience them without judgment, dismissing them as mere sensations.
One of the most important elements of what is meditation is mindful awareness practice. Achieving this state requires first being aware of the entire body, including all the parts and their functions. Once you can feel a strong sense of complete body awareness, you are ready to move onto developing a deeper understanding of your feelings and emotions. While it is possible to develop a more heightened awareness while walking meditation, you will not be able to fully appreciate the process unless you learn to control your reactions to the sights, smells, tastes, and emotions around you.
Walking meditation is not a great way to develop self-awareness, but a great way to gain a deeper understanding of what it is you are feeling when you walk. Without judgment, you will be better equipped to appreciate the great things about your body, your movements, and the world around you. This type of walking exercise will help you develop self-esteem, improve your abilities as a communicator, reduce your stress level, and much more. Because it is possible to move through space without thinking, it is also a great way to learn how to meditate.