Clear (Walking meditation)
I tried meditation. A bunch of times. It helped, if for nothing else that for sitting sans computer in the quiet and kindness. But I couldn’t relax, couldn’t focus on meditating, focused on the noise I was making, the meditation I wasn’t doing, racing, racing thoughts.
I went for a one-on-one with the leader of the class, who suggested I try walking meditation. I liked the idea. But I didn’t try it.
A few months later, work launches a stairclimbing challenge. Simultaneously and separately, my sweetie and I decide to start walking on the paths behind his house or the city streets toward the Mall near mine. I am walking, more and more, beyond my walks to and from work.
And it is working. Beyond strong calves I feel calm coming in. Clear. Zen.
It is the most beautiful color of all.
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Note: Happy 4th to all!!! I have also added a few posts to X365.
Richard said,
Wrote on July 5, 2008 @ 4:10 am
Walking meditation is much under rated. We seem to think about meditation as being sitting only. Having that element of movement can help, especially if the body is agitated.Good luck with your practice. perhaps when you feel like it you could sit afte walking for a few minutes and just watch what happens in the body.
soupisnotafingerfood said,
Wrote on July 6, 2008 @ 9:56 am
I used to walk from Cleveland Park to work in Dupont Circle. I loved that 45 minutes.
Have you thought about trying yoga? I have done Bikram yoga and all you can do for 90 mins is think about yourself and your body – there is no room for head noise in the studio. Will share more if you’re interested…
washwords said,
Wrote on July 7, 2008 @ 10:08 am
Thanks Richard and Soupy Meg!
Yes, I forgot to mention that the point of the walking meditation is that eventually, when the time is right, I WILL be able to sit still and just breathe, that it is a baby step (ha) towards other meditations. As luck would have it, shortly after learning of walking meditation I found some great writing on it, including thoughts by Thoreau and some Japanese Zen Masters.
Meggie, I LOVE yoga. Once, right before I got divorced, I went to spa where I tried yoga for the very first time. After the class I went to my room (about 6 p.m.) I woke up the next morning at 8. Wonderful all around. I need to do more of it.
soupisnotafingerfood said,
Wrote on July 8, 2008 @ 7:48 pm
Well then that settles it. Screw pedicures, let’s do yoga! I wish I had more time to devote to it – it really is an investment of time that’s hard to come by.
But the walking – an excellent “baby step”. Take LONG walks. Explore a new neighborhood or trail.
Sitting? VERY hard. Only if I’m reading or doing something with my hands do I sit and ponder.
Anonymous said,
Wrote on July 11, 2008 @ 7:40 pm
I am very pleased to read that someone else has found such peace through walking. My 18 year old son was sent to prison for 35 years in 2006…and that is when I hit the trails! I have been blessed with so much peace, clarity and healing through our (my puppy goes with) 3 to 4 hour hikes. I encourage anyone who needs that physical addition to their Zen efforts to go for it!
Peace!
washwords said,
Wrote on July 13, 2008 @ 8:08 am
Wow. this is wonderful, anon. Thanks for sharing and thanks for finding walking (and me!) I hope it continues to bring us both peace for long times to come. And hope you’ll keep reading washwords!