Walking Meditation
This article exlpains how to practice walking meditation and its benefits.
Before Starting Walking Meditation
Walking meditation is most effective after you have mastered sitting meditation.
Before exploring walking meditation, refer to our article "How to meditate" and make sure you have fully learned sitting meditation.
Benefits of Walking Meditation
Walking meditation has benefits such as stress relief and enhancing focus.
For more details, refer to the article "Benefits of meditation".
How to Practice Walking Meditation
When meditating, you should focus on the following three things simultaneously:
- Walking
- Controlling your breath
- Observing your pain
Below, we will explain each of these steps in detail.
1. Walking
Walking meditation is recommended to be practiced outdoors, such as during a walk or while commuting.
2. Controlling Your Breath
Walking meditation does not require any special breathing techniques.
Simply maintain a breathing rhythm that feels natural and comfortable for you.
If your breathing is about to become irregular, focus on keeping it steady and consistent.
3. Observing Your Pain
Pay attention to "what kind of pain you are feeling right now".
"Pain" includes any unpleasant feelings, such as anxiety, fear, anger and sadness.
Be aware of even the smallest discomforts, so you can better understand them.
Stay Aware of Your Breathing
It's okay if pain distorts your face or makes you cry.
However, always remember to maintain your breathing rhythm.
If you find it difficult to control your breathing, take a break and try again later.
If you're finding it difficult to meditate, check out our article "What to do if your meditation isn't working".
Pain Will Be Relieved
Beginners may find it challenging to "observe pain" during meditation.
However, the discomfort doesn't last as long as one might expect.
The more you acknoledge pain and stress, the less they will affect you.
For more details, see our article "Why is meditation good for the mind?".