Weekly Meditation Series: Walking Meditation by Tracy Brooks

Meditation is a word that often conjures up so many images. We may feel it a peaceful invitation, and have images of being still and unburdened for a short spell. We may fret what it represents, fearing we have neither the patience nor skill to try it. After all there are so many different styles and ways to meditate. “What is the best way?” One can get overwhelmed in the search.

My experience with meditation has been as rich and varied as the above. I have been meditating for many years. My first taste was as a young girl. Before the rules and “shoulds” got to me, I reveled in the notions that my mind, body and spirit could meet for a “special dance.” In my life thus far I have tried many of the various meditation styles. I have been blessed to learn from some amazing teachers, and been to some pretty awesome workshops (at the same time I have also sat through a few painful learning experiences too). I have to share I have learned something from each. Not all have fit or settled in me the same, and the favorite style has evolved for me. I am no longer afraid of trying a new way or flow. Yet I remember a time (or two!) where my quest for Zen was “consistently uncomfortable” and my desire to “do it perfect or at least really right” kept me away from my meditating.

The first and perhaps most important thing I can share is that meditation is a vital foundation for me, and in practicing (all the best teachers always told me practice, practice and practice. They themselves never stop that “new kid/student” stance. As life evolves, so does your “practice”) I have befriended myself. I know it sounds a little kooky. I know all the talk of “practice” can sound like too much work, another thing on that long to do list. “It is though just not so” or translated if you would like it to be effective (there are numerous benefits to body and mind such as your blood pressure, your insomnia and even your procrastination) it is true you must devote time to learning and to the practice. But it is not complicated. You have all the necessary skills and space wherever you are. If it is new (or even if it is not and you just feel a bit stuck on trying to “get it right”) it may feel awkward at first.

One of my favorite takes on meditating is from the amazing Pema Chodron. She speaks of how meditation is not about getting rid of our thoughts, yet about helping us change our patterns of grasping and holding on tight to these thoughts. Also, we are made for this really! Sure, in modern culture we are not revered for taking the time and space to meet up with our basic goodness and innate strength. Meditation is the meeting place.

So many ways to savor this “meeting place”, so many styles to choose. I say, try a few and see what “feels right.” As Krisnamurti said “Meditation can take place whether you are walking in the woods, sitting at a bus stop, or gazing into the face of your child.”

I would like to start here with one of my very favorite styles “Walking Meditation.”   An excellent resource for this style is “The Long Road Turns to Joy” by Thich Nhat Hanh.

He describes so eloquently the beauty and the gift of “kissing the earth with your feet.”

If you try this style and practice it a bit you will surely be moved in both body and soul. Naysayers will say “that is not real meditation, you can’t move and meditate!” I say it works great for many, and is especially kind to someone just starting out.

Walking Meditation

~Please allow some time for this. It can help in as little as 10 minutes (please don’t rush) but I recommend 15-20 minutes. If you can gift yourself some time “to go without arriving” and just let your meditation be your stroll (not focusing on a destination) it is very helpful.

~Out in nature/park or some place that offers you beauty is great. Yet this can also be done successfully indoors or in limited space.

~No special clothes or shoes needed. (But be comfortable!)

~Take your sense of humor (silence your cell phone if you can, but bring your smile.)

~Walking slowly, breathe it all in. I ask that you not worry too much here about your breathing or your thoughts. It is important to not rush though. If you are feeling like it is hard to slow down just allow your own pace. After a bit you will naturally slow yourself.

~You are “learning to walk again” and that may feel awkward. Let yourself be like that toddler that is a bit unsteady on his feet yet loving every precious step!

~If this sounds too simple please relax and let yourself walk on without a goal in mind.

~if this seems like too much please relax and know that “learning to walk with ease” will take time yet is a natural unfolding.

To practice Walking Meditation is to practice living in mindfulness.

“In order to have peace and joy, you must succeed in having peace within each of your steps.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

 

Tracy Brooks has been spiritual traveler and a soul seeker her whole life. She has always felt a call to be a listener of life and to inspire others. A yogini and poet since age 9, she grew up in New York rescuing abandoned animals and holding a space for those who hurt. Born intuitively empathic, she often finds herself listening to strangers open up to her. Studying education, psychology and engaging in community service invited her to feel we all have a gift to share. Life has led her to teach, write and now home-school her young ones. Blessed to be happily married to the love of her life and living (out loud!) in Florida, she has been embracing contemporary shamanism, writing inspirational pieces, and working on her first book. You can find her Facebook page here or visit her blog here. You can also email her.