Walking and Meditation for True Peace of Mind, Free from Stress and Negativity

The Buddha regularly practiced walking meditation, and after attaining enlightenment, he spent an entire week walking in circles under the Bodhi tree. He saw walking as an integral part of life.

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The Buddha, you are a typical example of living with nature. The Buddha often chooses locations in the forest for meditation, and most of his life is spent in remote and secluded mountains, away from the dirt and noise of the city.

Every day, he walks and when someone needs to be taught, the Buddha goes to teach them. He also encourages his disciples to go on foot to give teachings. Monks and nuns often walk mindfully in villages early in the morning. Most of the time during the day, the Buddha practices meditation because controlling the breath is beneficial for both physical and mental health.

Similarly, modern scientific research shows that people who regularly practice meditation have a peaceful and calm mind, free from stress and negativity.

On the other hand, when someone’s mind is unstable, it can cause physical and mental changes, leading to the risk of various diseases in different organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it can harm the organs such as the liver, lungs, spleen, and kidneys.

Currently, Western psychotherapists are also using meditation as a method to prevent, treat, and recover from mental disorders.

In ancient times, for 45 years of teaching in the vast area along both banks of the Ganges River, the Buddha only used one means of transportation, walking. In the scriptures, it is said that the Buddha is always mindful in every moment, so when he walks, he is also meditating.

Walking can be another wonderful opportunity to practice mindfulness. Every second can enhance mindfulness and sometimes be an easier object of meditation than breath.

In Buddhist philosophy, mindfulness is awareness, being present to what is happening in the present moment, without judgment or comparison. Walking meditation is considered one of the effective methods for practicing mindfulness. This technique brings many benefits, helps the body feel balanced and peaceful, and is suitable for practicing within the vicinity of the home during the pandemic.

Walking meditation can help release distracting thoughts and mental noise by immersing yourself in the beauty and simplicity around you, like observing the smallest, cutest, and most peaceful details on a flowing stream. But the best thing about walking meditation is that you can practice it anywhere.

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Frequently asked questions

Walking is therapeutic as it helps to clear the mind, reduce stress and improve overall mood. It provides a change of scenery, allowing one to disconnect from daily worries and gain a fresh perspective. Walking also boosts blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function and promoting the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and endorphins, which lift your spirit and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Walking, especially in natural settings, helps to distract the mind from stressful thoughts and worries. The rhythmic motion and physical activity trigger the release of neurotransmitters that improve mood and reduce stress hormones like cortisol. Walking also allows time for self-reflection and processing of thoughts, helping to put things into perspective and gain a sense of control over negative thinking patterns.

Combining walking with meditation enhances the benefits of both practices. Walking meditation involves focusing on the bodily sensations and movements during walking, which helps to calm the mind and improve concentration. It makes meditation more accessible to those who find sitting meditation challenging, and it can be done anywhere, providing a convenient way to practice mindfulness throughout the day.

Walking in natural environments, such as parks, forests, or beaches, offers additional benefits for mental health. Being surrounded by nature has a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting a sense of peace. It also enhances attention and focus, as the natural scenery provides a gentle stimulation that helps to reset the mind and improve overall cognitive function.

One technique is to practice deep breathing while walking. Focus on taking slow, deliberate breaths, inhaling the benefits of the outdoors and exhaling stress and tension. Another practice is mindful walking, where you pay attention to the sensations in your body, the sounds around you, and the sights in your environment, helping you to stay present and grounded in the moment.