People who are
grieving often gain solace from walking in the country. Zen has
made gentle walking meditation into profoundly regenerative
exercise so that healing is available in the natural world around
us. We walk slowly, harmonizing our steps with our breath. We do
not allow our attention to become dissipated in our surroundings,
but, nonetheless, a sense of communion with the natural world grows
in a subliminal way. Occasionally, we may stop and gaze at a flower
or hug a tree or just touch the earth, but for the most part, we
just walk gently, each footfall making real contact with the earth.
This simple practice is wonderful. In groups, pairs or alone, we
can make walking meditation a regular part of our day. Generally,
when we do walking meditation, we are not going anywhere. We walk
simply for the sake of walking and of being in touch with life,
step by step. Every so often a member of our group may ring the
mindfulness bell and we pause long enough to return to stillness
inside. Once this practice is established as part of our life, we
will begin t catch ourselves at other times hurrying unnecessarily,
and we will stop a moment and then continue more slowly, enjoying
each step and really being here, rather than just rushing on
towards the future.
Walking meditation
enables a person to retain connection with the elements. Even
though the human world may sometimes seem barren, the wind and the
flowers, the rivers and the clouds, still speak to us, and teach us
everything.
David Brazier
