Meditation is often associated with solitude, tranquility, and physical inactivity. When you hear the word "meditation", you may create a scenario in your mind in which a person finds a secluded area, closes his eyes in silence, and rests his body while working his mind out. Does meditation always have to be like this? No!
Meditation is an art. A method. A skill. A process. It is the art of keeping in touch with yourself, of discovering your entirety and the many facets of your being. It is also a skill that must be developed. It requires discipline and right mindset. You cannot simply think that you will meditate and expect to achieve fast results. You need to tune in to your consciousness, and that doesn't happen overnight. Meditation typically involves a set of procedures and guidelines. Typically, success depends on how well you apply them.
One interesting form of meditation that deviates from the old and traditional concept is walking meditation. Walking meditation is a lot different from other forms of meditation known to many. For one, you can do this even if you are currently physically inactive - just to do it. Simply move, activate and walk! Engage your mind and your body in this activity in order to experience a holistic positive result. This brings another benefit. Since walking is a daily activity, you can actually grow by meditating everyday!
You also will not have to find a secluded place just so you can meditate. Anywhere will do. Actually, a noisy and crowded place is even encouraged. Here is where the challenge lies. Concentration and awareness must be focused. You must not allow the outer world to bind your mind into it – by the things that you see, hear, or whatever you perceive. You may be aware of them, but you must guard not to do anything about them. Do not cling to anything.
The guiding principle behind walking meditation is achieving a balanced awareness, equilibrium, between your inner self and the outer world surrounding you. This meditation will invite you to feel your entire body, all the workings of the parts that make you up, being aware how each of your body parts operates. While doing this, you also have to notice your emotion and your mood. These are all done while you walk. The outside world need not be lost in your focus. There will always be stuff that will catch your attention as you meditate. Don't resist. Don't hang on to them either. Simply let them pass by, observing them without doing anything at all.
This is the real sense of awareness. The ideal result of walking meditation is your consciousness of the outside world while being completely aware of your inner self. Once achieved, many of the puzzles and complexities of life will become clearer and simpler. By bridging the gap between what is within and what is out of yourself, you can take full control of your life and enjoy a healthier and a more satisfied lifestyle.
Have a Beautiful Day!
