Coaching Tip: Walking Meditation… Glide Through Your Day
You’ve probably heard that meditation is a very effective way to invite peace and relaxation into your world. It’s a method of quieting the mind and calming the “vibe” you unconsciously send to others. Some people think that meditation is something that can only be achieved by the Spiritually Enlightened, or that you must be alone, in the dark, repeating the sound “Ommm…” to meditate.
In fact, you can enjoy the benefits of this ancient practice by doing what is known as “active” or “walking” meditation. This can be accomplished at any time of day, no matter where you are.
Want to try it yourself? Start with this little exercise at home:
Take a leisurely walk around the house…
- Put your shoulders down and lift your chin skyward just a bit.
- Make your steps slow and deliberate, focusing on walking heel to toe.
- Breathe deeply as you do this.
- Consciously release all the tension from your body as you soften your mind and allow it to wander.
- Soften your gaze as well.
Once you get good at walking meditation in your home, try it in the “real world” as you go about your day. Notice how being in this state of mind affects your thoughts and actions.
- Do you feel calmer and more at peace?
- Are you becoming more mindful of what you’re saying and doing?
- Do you find that you’re more likely to think before you speak?
- Do people seem to treat you differently now that you exude this sense of calm?
- Do you feel more confident… alive, and aware of what’s happening both inside and outside of you?
Comment on this question:
What ways do you think active meditation might empower you in your daily life?
I will definitely try this! It is always nice to find different ways of relieving stress!
Come back and tell us how it went for you.
I find this practice is a HUGE stress reliever for me when I’m at maximum Stresshold.
Susan,
Notice the picture the walker is barefoot… Some thing to be said for the uninturrpted (sp) feet to the earth connection. That and tree hugging for real.
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Lorrie
Oh how I LOVE walking around barefoot… in the grass… in the sand…
I’m a tree hugger too…
Thank you for this Susan.. I’ll try it on the way back from dropping my boys at school and pre-school on Monday.
Oh, I’m excited to hear how you like it!
Come back and let us know!
Thank you for sharing this, I’ll certainly be giving it a try.
Same to you Paul!
Come back and let us know how it affected you!
Nice tip, Susan. I would only add: ” I feel and look fabulous”,” I feel and look fabulous”… while walking:-)
Breathe, smile and be happy, Irina
You sure do.
Ha, ha, giggle.
Seriously, I love your idea to add a truth affirmation with every step.
Breathing and smiling,
Susan
This really is a powerful style of meditation. There is something so magical about taking deliberate steps to feel the connection of earth to the bottom of your feet.
We often do this exercise in yoga, but it’s nice to remember that you can do it anytime and anywhere.
Very grounding
Thanks Susan
Yes, anytime and anywhere.
Good to make this a way of life, actually.
We can more easily embrace our power when we are calm and connected.
At least, that’s how it works for me.
I’m looking forward to our visit… coming up here soon!
Fun!
This is great. It’s a great way for busy New Yorker’s to meditate!
Ah, we have a New Yorker among us!
Welcome Anna!
I’m from upstate… Albany area.
Gonna go check out your website in a minute…
-S