Walking meditation looks strange the first time you see it: a dozen people moving across a lawn at a tenth of their normal speed. It feels strange too, for about five minutes. Then it starts to feel like the most natural thing you have done all week.
Twenty steps, then turn
Pick a stretch of ground about twenty steps long. Walk to the end, stop, turn around and walk back. There is nowhere to get to, which is exactly why the mind can settle.
Walk at about half your normal pace to begin with. Slower than that and most people lose their balance; faster and the mind keeps rushing ahead.
“You are not walking somewhere. You are just walking.”
What to pay attention to
Feel the heel touch the ground, the weight roll forward through the foot and the toes push away. Notice the other leg swinging through. Keep your eyes soft and a few steps ahead.
When you notice you are thinking, stop for one breath, feel both feet on the ground and start again. You will do this many times, and each time counts.
Try it outside
Ten minutes in the park
1
Find a flat path or lawn about twenty steps long.
2
Stand still for three breaths and feel your feet.
3
Walk slowly to the end, turn and walk back.
4
Repeat for ten minutes, then stand still again for three breaths.
Join the Saturday group
We meet at the main gate of Red Rocks Park at nine every Saturday from April to October. Wear shoes you can walk slowly in and bring a layer, because the lake wind is cold even in summer.
There is no need to book. Just turn up, and if it rains we move inside to the studio.
