Can’t stand being barraged with dire news reports anymore? You are not alone; even easy-going, take-it or- leave it folks are feeling anxious and stressed.
We have all heard about the power of meditation, but it is still a bit mystical and other worldly for most. If you have ever tried meditating, you probably know that it is not something that comes naturally. You may even feel that there is a limit to how much time you can spend in your “own head,” no matter what it is called.
Still, there has been a lot of research on the subject, and it is all positive; meditation is good for you. What if you could combine thinking good thoughts with something else. If you are already walking, for exercise and to clear your head, you are already half way there. Walking is a good time to do some thinking, or not thinking, whichever the case may be. Do you see where I am going this? You may already be doing a form of meditation (walking meditation) and don’t even know it.
Meditating while walking not only exercises the body (so you are really not wasting your time) but also the mind. Exercising your mind. Wow! Who doesn’t need that? Meditating is even thought of as a way to keep your brain from aging. Sounds like a good project doesn’t it?
Walking meditation is not about power walks or aerobic workouts. You are going to just walk normally, which means good posture and a relaxed gait. The difference is that you are concentrating on how you are feeling. Think about your feet, your body, and your breath. It is all about you.
Meditation is learning to focus on the present moment; narrowing your focus down to feeling and breathing. One, two, three, four. Don’t worry about erasing all of your thoughts, and don’t fuss about distractions; for now, just think about your breathing and your feet. Step, step…breath, breath.
Your library as well as numerous websites will supply you with information if you need help getting started. Take time away from television and social media and think about something else. Walking and meditating. Meditating and walking. Walking meditation.
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