Meditation Walks and Benefits:
There are no fixed rules for meditation. You can practice this when sitting on a desk, lying down or even when you go out for a walk. Meditating when walking is also termed as ‘meditation in motion’. This is ideal for a beginner as walking is an everyday exercise for most of us. This walking meditation has its origin in Buddhism. This helps you feel serene, grounded and well balanced.
Walking Meditation Practice:
In this practice of walking meditation, you are supposed to walk in a circle, in a labyrinth or in a straight line back and forth. This type of meditation is also comfortable in a long distance. The pace varies according to the technique adopted. This practice is all about being aware of your physical sensations along with your body when moving.
Understanding the Benefits of Walking Meditation:
The walking meditation offers multiple physical and mental benefits and can calm you to a great extent.
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Reduces Anxiety:
Combining your regular walk with meditation can bring down the level of anxiety to a large extent.
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Improves Digestion:
Walking after you have had your meal is an ideal way to boost your digestion. With the required movement while walking, the food can move easily through the digestive tract and also prevent constipation.
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Boost the Flow of Blood:
Those who sit for long periods need to practice this walking meditation. This helps in the blood flow especially in your legs. You can get rid of sluggishness and stagnancy. You feel energetic after 10 minutes of walking meditation.
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Alleviates Depression:
Staying active is important more so when you age. Regular exercise can keep you in a good mood besides taking care of the physical fitness. Research has proved that those who practiced this walking meditation were spared of depression.
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Improves Quality of Sleep:
You need to be aware that moderate exercise can be beneficial for a good night’s sleep. You need not do an intense workout to get quality sleep. As known, walking improves flexibility and also reduces the muscle tension, relaxing you physically besides mentally.
How to Practice Walking Meditation?
- Look for a peaceful place where you do not encounter many obstacles. The location needs to be devoid of any traffic and also peaceful. You have the choice of practicing this even indoors so that you do not encounter any distractions.
- Breathe deeply, bringing the attention to your body. Sense the stability of the ground and be aware of the different sensations your body goes through. Observe your feelings and thoughts.
- Walk slowly and focus on the movement of your feet and legs. You need to walk slowly either back and forth or in circles. This walking meditation works best when you practice this for 10 minutes initially.
- Analyze your thoughts and feelings while you are walking and you have the choice of either accepting these or rejecting these. Make sure the pace is extremely slow or slow. This is not ‘brisk’ walking.
Practicing walking meditation can help in providing additional insights.
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