Thich Nhat Hanh Teaches Walking Meditation

Walking meditation is meditation while walking. We walk slowly, in a relaxed way, keeping a light smile on our lips. When we practice this way, we feel deeply at ease, and our steps are those of the most secure person on Earth. All our sorrows and anxieties drop away, and peace and joy fill our hearts. Anyone can do it. It takes only a little time, a little mindfulness, and the wish to be happy.
–Thich Nhat Hanh

Here are two ways to practice walking meditation, by Thich Nhat Hanh:

We can practice walking meditation by counting steps or by using words. If the rhythm of our breathing is three steps for each in-breath and out-breath (3-3), for example, we can say, silently, “Lotus flower blooms. Lotus flower blooms,” or “The green planet. The green planet,” as we walk. If our breathing is two steps for each in-breath, and three steps for each out breath(2-3), we might say, “Lotus flower. Lotus flower blooms.” Or “Walking on the green planet. Walking on the green planet,” for 5-6.

We don’t just say the words. We really see flowers blooming under our feet. We really become one with our green planet. Feel free to use your own creativity and wisdom. Walking meditation is not hard labor. It is for your enjoyment.
–Thich Nhat Hanh

When you begin to practice walking meditation, you might feel unbalanced, like a baby learning to walk. Follow your breathing, dwell mindfully on your steps, and soon you will find your balance. Visualize a tiger walking slowly, and you will find that your steps become as majestic as the steps of a tiger.
– Thich Nhat Hanh

Adapted from Walking Meditation, by Nguyen Anh-Huong and Thich Nhat Hanh (Sounds True, 2006). Copyright (c) 2006 by Nguyen Anh-Huong and Thich Nhat Hanh. Reprinted by permission of Sounds True.
Adapted from Walking Meditation, by Nguyen Anh-Huong and Thich Nhat Hanh (Sounds True, 2006).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Camilla V.

10:42AM PDT on May 7, 2013

noted

May 7
send a green star

Marianne G.

10:27AM PDT on Apr 23, 2013

Thanks for sharing, interesting points of views.

April 23
send a green star

Eric L.

3:07PM PST on Feb 15, 2013

Interesting, Thanks

February 15
send a green star

Winn A.

12:02PM PST on Jan 20, 2013

Thanks

January 20
send a green star

Danielle I.

9:37AM PDT on Oct 8, 2012

Thank You :)

October 8
send a green star

Donna H.

4:45AM PDT on Sep 4, 2012

Thanks.

September 4
send a green star

Zee K.

6:34PM PDT on Jul 18, 2012

Walking, walking, walking......

I love to walk. No car for me!!! Public transportation only when essential.

I used to walk for 13 hours, I'd come home totally exhausted fling myself on the bed and, in a few minutes, be ready to go again.

Exercise seems to create it's own energy.

Summer in Phoenix is a little too hot for walking miles and hours but Autumns coming!