Walking Meditation
Benefits for Physical & Mental Well-Being
Walking meditation, also known as mindful walking, is a practice that combines the principles of mindfulness with the simple act of walking. It involves intentionally paying attention to the sensations and experiences of walking, bringing a heightened sense of awareness to each step and the environment around you [1]. This practice can be a wonderful way to cultivate mindfulness, promote relaxation, and connect with the present moment [2].
During mindful walking, the focus is on the experience of walking itself. It involves engaging all the senses and bringing your attention fully to the present moment. In the practice, it’s important to become aware of the experiences through each sense – the feeling of the feet touching the ground, the movement of the body, the rhythm of the breath, and the sights, sounds, and smells [2].
Research has shown that mindful walking can have numerous benefits for mental and physical well-being [3]:
- Stress reduction: Walking meditation can help reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and calming the mind [4].
- Mood improvement: Engaging in mindful walking has been shown to improve mood and increase positive emotions [5].
- Increased physical fitness: Mindful walking serves as a form of physical exercise, contributing to increased fitness and improved cardiovascular health [6].
- Enhanced mindfulness: Walking meditation is a powerful way to develop and deepen mindfulness skills, as it encourages the integration of mindfulness into everyday activities [7].
- Connection with nature: If practiced outdoors, walking meditation allows you to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding environment, which can have a positive impact on mental well-being [8].
- Cultivation of self-awareness: Through mindful walking, you can develop a deeper understanding of your body, emotions, and thoughts, fostering self-awareness and self-discovery [9].
Authors: Francisca Pacheco, Sónia Silva, Nádia Moura, Cidália Gonçalves (Portuguese Cancer League)
References:
[1] Hanh, T. N. (2006). Walking Meditation. Sounds True.
[2] O'Donovan, H. (2017). Mindful Walking: Walk Your Way to Mental and Physical Well-Being. Gill Books.
[3] Engler, R. (2021). Mindful Walking: Walk Your Way to Mental and Physical Well-Being with Mindfulness. Independently published.
[4] Beauchemin, J., Hutchins, T. L., & Patterson, F. (2008). Mindfulness meditation may lessen anxiety, promote social skills, and improve academic performance among adolescents with learning disabilities. Complementary Health Practice Review, 13(1), 34-45.
[5] Morone, N. E., & Greco, C. M. (2007). Mind-body interventions for chronic pain in older adults: a structured review. Pain Medicine, 8(4), 359-375.
[6] Taimini, K. S. (1975). The science of yoga. The Theosophical Publishing House.
[7] Jha, A. P., Krompinger, J., & Baime, M. J. (2007). Mindfulness training modifies subsystems of attention. Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience, 7(2), 109-119.
[8] Hicks, J. T., & Conner, B. T. (2019). Beneficial effects of mindfulness-based interventions on cognition, academic achievement, and resilience: A meta-analytic review. School Psychology Quarterly, 34(3), 347-362.
[9] Verplanken, B., & Fisher, N. (2014). Habitual worrying and benefits of mindfulness. Mindfulness, 5(5), 566-573.
