A Walking Meditation to Calm Your Anxiety
A “walking meditation” is where you use the experience of walking as a catalyst to combine movement with an inner calmness.
Walking Meditations Are a Great Way to Calm Anxiety
With all these people-distancing and being sheltered in place, I really need to get out in the fresh air and walk. I usually take my dog, Koda, with me, and of course, my mask! I don’t pretend for one minute, the situation isn’t serious, but if you’re like me … it’s so important to keep things balanced. While I take it seriously, I try my hardest to remain realistic and not become neurotic or over-react. Having a dog means I have to take him out every day for a walk, but I find these walks even more meaningful.
So, next time you venture outside for a little unwind time, why not try a “walking meditation?” This is where you use the experience of walking as a catalyst to combine movement with an inner calmness. It is all about focusing on the rhythm of walking, to the point where the rest of your mind chatter starts to quieten or even silenced. It really works! Anytime you actively focus your mind on a single activity, you enter some form of tranquility.
When you’re walking, your mind will still have a tendency to wander. You may even catch yourself thinking, “I wonder if I have any new emails?” or “I wonder what my kids want for dinner?” When this happens, always try to bring your awareness back to the steady rhythm of your step.
Start by simply standing still in one spot. Let yourself feel the weight transferring to the soles of your feet, as you connect with the earth below. Shift your body from one foot to the other, and notice how your body posture feels as you lift up your head and push your shoulders back as you breathe in. Now focus your gaze at a point slightly in front of you on the ground to help you avoid any visual distractions.
Start walking, and with each step, count from 1 to 10. Then count down from 10 to 1 and start again from 1 to 10. As you walk and count, keep your focus only on the sole of each foot as it hits the ground. As you count, you’re continually bringing your awareness and focus back to the present.
If you lose your count or find yourself thinking while you’re walking, go back to the counting and start again. After about 15 minutes, come to a natural stop. Feel your soles once again on the earth and switch your weight from one foot to another so that you just experience standing and being still. Breathe, and enjoy being in the present.
John’s Message
Practice this Walking Meditation for about 15 minutes, but slowly build up your time. As you continue practicing this active meditation, you’ll notice the impact and clarity it has on all of your everyday activities. You’ll also see how your awareness and concentration will sharpen. This is one more step closer to your psychic development.
Click HERE to Connect with your Daily Horoscope on OMTimes!
You will also enjoy The 3 Most Asked Questions about the Afterlife and John Holland: The Power of the Soul
About the Author
John Holland is an American artist, best-selling author, spiritual teacher, and public speaker, who describes himself as a psychic medium. johnholland.com
