Meditation via Walking

The physical benefits of walking have long been known—it’s cardiovascular exercise—but are there spiritual benefits as well? Of course there are! We can listen to our breathing as we perform the same motions with our arms and legs, paying attention to the muscles used and the overall feel of this repetition. It can be a lot like meditation, even if you are en route to a specific destination or running (walking?) errands.

Nhat Hanh is a Buddhist monk from Vietnam who has taught “walking meditation” for many years in France. He writes: “The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.”

It helps if you are walking in a scenic, calming area, as opposed to a high-traffic urban one, but regardless, observe your surroundings and take everything in. Nhat Hanh also writes, “…walking meditation is like eating. With each step we nourish our body and spirit.” How often do you take peaceful walks? [The Hub]