The key to my sanity, when life gets overwhelming, is my morning walking meditation. I consider it to be a sacred time that no one else can mess with. The process opens up my creativity, helps me focus, and guides me along my path in life.
“If you will but aspire
You will attain to all that you desire.
Before an atom of such need the Sun
Seems dim and mirky by comparison.
It is life’s strength, the wings by which we fly
Beyond the further reaches of the sky.”
― Farid Al-Din Attar, The Conference of the Birds
Meditating doesn’t mean you have to plant yourself in an uncomfortable lotus position and sit on your butt contemplating your navel. That’s not always easy when you’re over 50. It takes many forms. My philosophy:
Do what works best for you.
I sit on my butt way too much when I’m working at the computer and my butt isn’t built for sitting in one spot because I squirm. A walking meditation in nature is more up my alley and gets me moving which is something all seniors need to stay flexible.
Find a nature area near you that you can stroll or hike in.
Walking Meditation Ritual
I sometimes imagine there is a pool of energy swirling on the ground. It comes from the Earth and is a universal life force we’re all connected to. I slowly submerse my body into the pool of energy starting with my feet and say to myself that it is healing, restoring, circulating, and energizing. The pool gets deeper until it covers my entire body and I voice intentions to myself I want to manifest.
When I reach the top of my head, I focus on my third eye. This opens up my creativity and intuition. I see myself bathed in the glow of positive white light. Then I let the energy radiate out of my body and into the universe to connect with the Universal consciousness and the hidden realms.
I know it may sound airy-fairy, but it’s powerful for me. The energy source can come from whatever you believe in whether it’s God, Jesus, Mother Nature, Buddha, the fairy folk, or The Force. I’m a big believer in The Force and truly believe it’s with me.
When I’m done, I take some time to listen to nature because it’s powerful. I quiet my mind to hear and observe. It never fails that a hawk or another bird flies past me, a bunny rabbit skips by or a coyote comes out of hiding in the rocks. There are occasional human sounds, like cars driving by, neighbors talking, or kids yelling. It’s all part of the atmosphere and I don’t let it bother me.
I find my walking meditation to be a source of power and revelation
You can commune with nature or connect to the universal consciousness anytime you are doing a walking meditatio, even if you live in a big noisy city. Allow yourself to connect with your source of energy and bring it into your being.
Have you ever tried doing a walking meditation? Please leave a comment below.
What a glorious way to start the day! I walk two days a week along the beach front. I find it invigorating and spiritual. The other days, I bike or do some weight resistant exercises. However, I have to say that being outside exercising is my favorite. I do not think you are loopy! I total understand how meditative and nourishing your walk is. You go girl!
Thanks so much Ellen. I love the ocean too and took a long walk by the water yesterday. It’s so irefreshing. I wish I lived closer so I could do it every day. You go too!
I love your mind focus of a pool of energy leading up into your third eye! YES! And I CLEARLY saw the same faces in your lovely photos. I see faces everywhere as well.
Thanks Cheryl. Oh, I’m so glad I’m not the only one seeing faces. LOL
I love the scenery you are lucky to see every day. I also walk a lot and do most of my meditative walking when I am on a beach. I completely get into a zone and it is so relaxing.
Walking on the beach is amazing. The waves have such a calming sound and are magical.
I just love the scenery where you get to walk and meditate! I love those rock formations! I live in PA and we have some stunning scenery here too. I need to take more advantage of it for sure!
Oh yes. PA is beautiful. Luckily, there is beauty everywhere if we look for it.
I sit way too much and need to try this more often. My husband swears by meditation.
It’s too easy to stay seated all day especially if you work online. Walking in any form is meditative. But, instead of power walking, take the time to observe and listen. Creativity bursts out of you.
Gorgeous scenery it would be hard not to feel good looking at that. I love to run but I find that walking gives me the opportunity to experience what is around me and to take the time to reflect. It is blissful!
Thanks, Sue. I think running is a different kind of energy. Still good, though. You could run first and then walk to cool down and relax. You’re filled with the energy of running and it makes it even more powerful. I sprained both ankles last year, so for now, I’m sticking to walking.
I love your meditation practice. I used to meditate before I had my daughter and enjoyed it. You have reminded me to get back to it. Beautiful pics.
I’m so glad you like the pictures and that it has inspired you to get back into meditation. It’s empowering.
I have never tried a walking meditation. It sounds lovely, especially in a scenic area like where you live. I think we all need that quiet time to reflect – time that we protect, just like you protect your morning walks!
I hope you give it a try Cathy. Anytime you give yourself quite time is good, no matter how you do it.
Such an amazing view from your home! I love a good walk, it’s where I do my thinking, praying and nature appreciating – a great way to zone out a little bit and get some much needed exercise at the same time.
Thanks, Leanne,
Yes, it’s great to get both the exercise and the mental boost. You always feel better afterwards.
Hey Rebecca! I’m a big fan of walking AND of meditation so of course I had to check out your practice. It sounds like a wonderful way to begin any day and you are very fortunate to live in such an interesting and beautiful place. There is SO-O-O much being written these days about how good it is to spend time in nature and when you add the meditation element in there it makes it even more beneficial. Hopefully lots of people will be encouraged by your words and add it to their lives. It really can make a huge difference. ~Kathy
Thank you Kathy,
Being in nature even if the view isn’t spectacular is always good for your soul. Focus on a tree, leaves, rocks, and sand. There is nature, even in urban cities. It’s very cool.
I will have to give walking meditation a try, I just wish my view was a pretty as yours.
I hope you do Rena. It’s important to get away from our computers every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes to counteract the rays.
I hope you do Rena. It’s important to get away from our computers every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes to counteract the nasty rays.
Not loopy at all. You are fortunate to live in such a beautiful area. Stunning. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Lisa,
We love it up here. Glad you liked the pics.