A Considerable Seven Years Into My Meditation Journey, I Ultimately Experimented with a Walking Meditation
Meditation is frequently perceived as a practice more fitting for tranquil environments, allowing one to sit in stillness and turn the mind inward. For many years, numerous meditators, myself included, regarded seated meditation as the pinnacle of practice, presuming it to be the most potent method for achieving mindfulness. However, after seven years on my meditation path, I chose to question this belief by exploring walking meditation—a practice that unexpectedly introduced a new level of focus and awareness.
The Challenge of Releasing Control
The insights of Dr. Seth J. Gillihan resonate with me as he articulates the challenge of relinquishing effort in mindfulness practice. Many practitioners, myself among them, often fall into the trap of treating meditation as yet another chore on the daily agenda. This mindset transforms meditation into a task that feels burdensome, with the potential for incorrect execution. A crucial realization is that mindfulness is more about being than doing—releasing rather than clinging to expectations.
The Rigidity of Adhering to ‘The Optimal Method’
Throughout my life, I have frequently held onto the belief that there exists a singular “best way” to approach tasks, whether it’s writing, cooking, or crafting. This rigidity carried over into my meditation practice, where I doggedly pursued what I was convinced was the right technique. Nonetheless, this approach hindered my capacity to investigate variations in practice. Adopting a more open-minded perspective has been a gradual yet valuable journey, allowing me to expand my viewpoint and uncover new, enriching experiences.
The Challenge and Victory of Meditation
Reaching a tranquil mind through meditation took nearly three years for me, underscoring the gradual learning curve many encounter. Attempting to meditate in loud, distracting environments paradoxically sharpened my focus, as tuning out noise demanded intense concentration. Likewise, walking meditation emerged as a practice that translated theory into action, teaching me that serenity amidst tumult can evoke profound meditative states, even when surrounded by frenetic activity.
Walking Meditation: An Expedition Into the Present
Participating in walking meditation, I was taken aback by how effortlessly I could connect with my body’s sensory experiences. With every step, I concentrated on the nuanced feelings in my feet, the activation of muscles, and the rhythm of movement—all serving as anchors for mindful awareness. This immediacy facilitated a swift shift into a state of focused presence, challenging the presumption that seated meditation exclusively holds efficacy.
The Allure of Walking Meditation
A significant advantage of walking meditation is its flexibility within daily life. Whether it’s during a commute to work, a leisurely stroll, or even while navigating the home, it offers countless chances to weave meditation into existing habits. This practicality is beneficial in our fast-moving world, resonating with ideas from James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” that highlight starting small to foster enduring change.
A Fresh View on Meditation
Walking meditation questions established ideals, encouraging practitioners to cultivate awareness and focus inwardly, regardless of their surroundings. This practice blurs the boundaries between contemplation and meditation, demonstrating that moments of presence can be experienced beyond traditional settings. By welcoming diverse forms of mindfulness, we enrich our practice and reconnect with the simplicity of being present in each step.
This exploration highlights that there is no singular route to meditation—just as numerous paths can lead to mindfulness. It encourages a reassessment of entrenched beliefs, advocating for adaptability and openness in personal and spiritual endeavors. Each step provides newfound grace, illustrating that even amid movement, tranquility and peace can be achieved.