Walking meditation is an alternative way to meditate combining as the name suggests walking whilst closing the mind to the whir of everyday thoughts. Now, you may be puzzling over how can you walk while your eyes are closed – never fear you can keep them open! It’s a method that has been used over the centuries by many faiths and religions interspersed with the more traditional meditation methods of sitting. This was used to break up the monotony of a long meditation.
Firstly as you start to move forward begin to regulate your breathing by concentrating on breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. Take deep breaths and gradually your breathing will become deep and rhythmic and your heart rate will slow and your body will relax. Count as you place each foot down and if thoughts start to pop up just stop and then start the counting again to dissolve the chatter of thoughts in your head.
Become aware of the connection between your feet and the earth. Feel the connection between you and nature, the feel of the ground beneath your feet, the brush of wind against your body and feel of the sun on your skin. Notice how your each step and how your feet, ankles, calves, thighs and arms etc move.
You can practice this technique anywhere and over time you will learn to do the walking technique without your eyes wandering or becoming distracted by events around you. Don’t be hard on yourself if thoughts do creep in, just acknowledge them and then put them to one side again.