Walking Meditation - A Guide to Mindful Walking | Buddhism In English

Summary

This video introduces the practice of walking meditation, emphasizing mindfulness in each step. It explains the process of walking meditation, including two approaches: walking mindfully while focusing on other meditations or using the walking process itself as the object of focus. The video demonstrates proper techniques such as standing calmly before starting, being aware of the lifting, moving, and touching phases of each step, and turning around mindfully. The speaker encourages viewers to be kind to their minds and take their practice step-by-step, promoting relaxation and concentration through consistent practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Meditation can be practiced in various forms: sitting, standing, lying down, and walking.
• 😀 Walking meditation helps you develop mindfulness through each step you take.
• 😀 Begin walking meditation by standing still and becoming mindful of your posture before starting.
• 😀 Mentally affirm your intention to walk mindfully from one point to another before beginning.
• 😀 Each step in walking meditation has three phases: lifting, moving, and touching the ground. Be mindful of each phase.
• 😀 When turning around at the end of your walking track, follow a mindful process to rotate your body and continue walking.
• 😀 The mind will naturally wander, so be kind to yourself and gently return to mindfulness when distracted.
• 😀 Maintain a slow, steady pace that allows you to be mindful of each step, but avoid walking too slowly or too quickly.
• 😀 Keep your eyes open and focus on a spot about six feet in front of you to prevent falling and maintain balance.
• 😀 Don't expect perfection—be patient and kind with yourself, focusing on being mindful even for just one step at a time.
• 😀 Regular walking meditation can strengthen concentration and help develop a calm, focused mind over time.

Q & A

What is the main concept of walking meditation?

Walking meditation is a form of meditation that involves walking mindfully, paying attention to each step as you walk, lifting, moving, and touching the ground. It helps to cultivate mindfulness and focus while in motion.

Can walking meditation be practiced anywhere?

Yes, walking meditation can be practiced anywhere. While it's ideal to have a meditation track, it can be practiced in any space where you can walk back and forth, even in your own home.

What is the purpose of standing still before starting the walking meditation?

Standing still helps calm the mind and allows you to relax before beginning the meditation. It brings awareness to the body and prepares you to start walking mindfully.

What is the first step of the walking meditation process?

The first step is to stand still and become aware of your body and posture. This helps to calm your mind before you begin walking mindfully.

What is meant by the three phases of each step in walking meditation?

Each step in walking meditation consists of three phases: lifting the foot, moving the foot, and touching the ground. You should be mindful of each phase as you walk.

How should you turn around during walking meditation?

To turn around, position your left foot 90° from your right foot, then raise your left foot, keeping it parallel to the right foot. Finally, turn your body and proceed in the opposite direction mindfully.

Should you close your eyes during walking meditation?

No, you should keep your eyes open during walking meditation. It’s recommended to focus on a spot about six feet ahead of you to maintain balance and avoid distractions.

How can you deal with distractions during walking meditation?

When distracted, gently guide your mind back to the present moment and the process of mindful walking. Be kind to your mind, as it’s natural for the mind to wander.

Is it okay to walk slowly during walking meditation?

It’s okay to walk slowly, but not too slowly. Walking too slowly can cause you to lose balance, while walking too quickly can make it difficult to focus on each step. Find a comfortable pace where you can be mindful.

How can walking meditation help with concentration?

Walking meditation helps strengthen concentration by training the mind to focus on each step. This focused awareness extends to other areas of life and improves overall mindfulness.