When you think of meditation, what comes to mind? Sitting in silence with your eyes closed, right? Well, what if we told you that there was another way to meditate that could offer even more health benefits than traditional methods? It’s called moving meditation, and it involves moving your body as you meditate.
Moving meditation has been practiced for centuries, and there are many different forms. Walking is one of the most popular types – simply be mindful of your movement as you walk and focus on each step. Concentrate on picking your foot up and purposefully setting it back down in front of you. Feel the muscles in your and legs tense and release as you move forward. Gently swing your arms and feel the muscles there and in your chest relax. As you continue, start to become more aware of your surroundings; the sights and smells, temperature and how your chest rises and falls with each breath. You’ll find yourself completely relaxed and refreshed after doing walking meditation!
Other movement meditations include tai chi, qigong, and yoga. It is best to learn these disciplines with a teacher, but in no time you’ll be able to do these as self-guided movement meditations. If you’ve ever seen a group of people outside gently swaying, lunging, and moving their arms and hands in perfect symmetry, that’s tai chi. Qigong is similar but with more exaggerated movements and tapping of the body. Lastly, flow yoga is a beautiful way to move through various yoga poses, as opposed to some of the static yoga poses preferred in yin yoga.
You can even meditate while doing common outdoor activities, such as gardening or golf. Instead of focusing on getting as many plants in the ground as soon as possible, or beating your best game, focus on how your hands feel in the dirt and the green beauty of the golf course as you walk it. You might be surprised how much better you golf when you are relaxed and living in the moment!
The goal of moving meditation is to stay in the present moment while being mindful of your body’s movements. It takes practice to perfect this technique but it can provide amazing physical and mental benefits. Physically, it increases flexibility and strengthens muscles while calming down any tension in the body. Mentally, it helps increase focus and concentration while helping you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. Additionally, because it involves physical activity, it can help to boost your energy levels.
So if you’re looking for a different way to meditate, give moving meditation a try! You might just find that it’s the perfect fit for you. Just remember to stay focused on your body’s movements and stay in the present moment as much as possible – that’s the key to successful moving meditation. Good luck!
