{"id":5122,"date":"2019-08-26T03:29:47","date_gmt":"2019-08-26T03:29:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aura.net\/?p=5122"},"modified":"2019-09-06T22:03:18","modified_gmt":"2019-09-06T22:03:18","slug":"walking-meditation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aura.net\/walking-meditation\/","title":{"rendered":"Walking Meditation is One of the Best Things You Can Do"},"content":{"rendered":"

Walking meditation is wonderful. For anyone who’s having trouble fitting meditation into their hectic schedule, it can be a game-changer. It’s a great mindfulness practice for restless beginners. At the same, it can be a lifelong meditation journey. On top of that, walking meditation is great for chakra wellness<\/a> and general auric hygiene.<\/p>\n

What is Walking Meditation?<\/h2>\n

Walking meditation is a mindfulness practice with historic roots all across Asia. It is also known as kinhin<\/em><\/a>, or mindful walking. It uses walking as its focal point. This makes it different from other kinds of meditation, which primarily focus on the breath. It also makes it easier for many people, as they can continue to breathe naturally without feeling like they need to be hyper-aware of something they do without thinking.<\/p>\n

For thousands of years, it’s been practiced in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, just to name a few places. It’s a favorite practice among Buddhists. Devout lifelong practitioners practice walking meditation in between long hours of seated meditation, or zazen.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Walking Meditation Benefits<\/h2>\n

The benefits of walking meditation start with the benefits of walking! Taking a stroll every day is great for your heart<\/a> as well as your general health.<\/a> Making into a walking meditation turns this already-beneficial activity into an even better holistic wellness <\/a>practice. Here are a few of our favorite benefits of walking meditation.<\/p>\n

Unity of mind and body: <\/strong>Walking meditation strengthens the connection between your mind and your body, making it possible for you to enjoy your consciousness and life more completely.<\/p>\n

A stronger connection to nature: <\/strong>To many of us, the natural world is sacred. Walking meditation is a beautiful way to fall in love with nature. It allows you to enjoy your environment and feel gratitude for the world that surrounds you every step of the way.<\/p>\n

Reduced anxiety: <\/strong>Mindfulness meditation, and walking meditation in particular, has been shown to reduce anxiety.<\/a> On top of that, additional research has shown<\/a> that meditating before or after walking can help reduce anxiety as well.<\/p>\n

A longer attention span: <\/strong>According to yet more research<\/a>, you can improve your ability to concentrate and focus through mindfulness practices that connect body and mind. Those include yoga, tai chi, and walking meditation.<\/p>\n

How to Practice Walking Meditation<\/h2>\n

Here’s a step-by-step guide to start practicing walking meditation right now.<\/p>\n

First, find a place to walk. All you need is space to take about fifteen steps, a distance of thirty or forty feet. You might want to be somewhere where no one will distract you with questions, as people aren’t used to seeing such intentional and focused walking. You can do this indoors or outdoors.<\/p>\n

Next, walk 10-15 steps. Along the lane you\u2019ve chosen, slowly walk ten or fifteen steps. Then, pause and breathe. When you’re ready, turn around and walk back. Rinse and repeat, while following the meditative process we’re about to describe.<\/p>\n

As you walk, focus on each component of each step. The idea of walking meditation is to intentionally<\/em> do things that you usually do automatically while walking. It will feel weird at first. Push through the weirdness. Concentrate on each of these components of your walking as you’re doing them:<\/p>\n