Contrary to popular belief, meditation doesn’t have to happen alone in a room, in full lotus, body silent and still.
No, in fact sometimes the most satisfying meditations happen on your feet, outdoors and covering ground. Certainly, by now, we are all aware of the benefits of walking. It has been the foundation to many a weight loss program as it’s inexpensive, outside of a good pair of shoes, it can be done anywhere and anyone can do it. But can we truly achieve a meditative state by doing it?
Many of us already enjoy walking for some meditative benefits already. Communing with nature, enjoying fresh air and clearing one’s head, all wonderful aspects to a low-intensity, heart pumping activity that can be done right outside your door.
Up until about two years ago, I walked as I run, not to the beat of my heart or to the sounds of the surrounding outdoors, but to the ear-splitting tunes filling my head. I will likely always need music to help move and motivate me through a run, but it only took one walk without my earbuds to convert me to the centring, perspective gathering benefits of a brisk walk in peace and quiet rather than a brisk walk, thoughts and mind overwhelmed by the intense beat of drums and base.
I don’t want to characterize myself as a fair-weather yogini… or, to be more precise, a fair-sinus yogini… but in the spirit of full disclosure, I do believe I am.
According to scientists, if you see the dancer turning clockwise, you’re operating more dominantly from the right-brain… left-brain if she’s turning counter-clockwise. Supposedly, if you stare at her foot and its shadow, you can actually turn her in the other direction. Ummmm… OK… yes, but now I have a headache….
