A quiet loop of mindfulness
Walking on Lundy is naturally calming, but sometimes I like to focus more deliberately on the act of walking itself. Lundy has such a stunning landscape, but often i find that my mind can still be busy or I might be chatting to someone else. Walking meditation can help calm the mind.
What is Walking Meditation?
Walking meditation is a mindfulness practice that combines the physical act of walking with the focused awareness of a meditative state. Rather than focusing on a destination, you anchor attention on the sensory experience of the foot placement, the breath and the environment around you.
Health Benefits of Walking Meditation
Meditative walking still has all the benefits of walking on health such as; reduced risk of heart disease, weight management and fitness. However it can also help focus your mind, especially if like me, you have lots of thoughts going around in your head.
Taking a short, repetitive route helps. It removes the need to plan or think about where I’m going, which makes it easier to stay present and quieten the mind.
Walking Meditation
On my last walk, I recorded an impromptu meditation as I moved — simply speaking what I was feeling in the moment. It’s not polished, but meditation doesn’t need to be perfect. Distractions come and go. What matters is the return: the gentle reminder that this is a practice, not just a stroll.
You can watch the video and walk with me in spirit — or head there yourself and follow the meditation in your own time.