I’m able to do simple meditation, focusing on my breathing and reaching a relaxed state. Good for stress and general well-being, although I rarely bother. My life is pretty stress-free. But when I come across a chapter in my 52 Ways to Walk book suggesting walking for meditation, I’m intrigued. I already know how good a walk is for decluttering the mind as well as exercising the body. But that’s not meditation; it’s just enjoyment.
The chapter focuses on your regular footfall rather than your breathing. It suggests finding a straight, even path with as few distractions as possible. Feel the soles of your feet on the ground and focus on the steady placement of your feet and the swing of your arms. Pace doesn’t matter. Let your mind fall in with your steps and stay in the present, with outside thoughts fading. Well, that sounds easy.
Time to try it on one of my regular local walks. It is immediately obvious on the pavement alongside the main road that passing traffic noise completely distracts me. There is no way I can relax here, so I don’t try again until I turn off into traffic-free Mile Lane; I’ve mentioned before it is nowhere near a mile. But it is quiet and has an even, straight surface enclosed by hedges. It should be ideal for the experiment. I close my eyes, take a deep breath and then start walking with all my attention on my feet. I keep a steady rhythm, and my arms swing naturally at my sides. But no, my mind wanders. I start counting my steps to keep my attention on my feet, but I’m still nowhere near achieving meditation for my mind or body. I can’t get any meaningful relaxation at all compared to my normal walking. Maybe I am trying too hard, but at the end of the half-mile lane, I admit complete failure and just enjoy my walk home.
It’s good to see the recently resurfaced path into the park is blending in with its surroundings. 
So that’s it for this week’s walk. Let’s see what crops up next week; the chapters I’ve avoided so far are getting more and more obtuse. I’ve not done them consecutively, leaving myself with the awkward ones to finish the year.
Honestly mindfullness meditation is the bane of modern life. It drives me mad. Well done for trying. Tbh I think people who go walking regularly are in the moment anyway.
I was more stressed on that walk than any other this year.
Hahaha same. I read the book too. My favourite suggestion was night walking.
That’s to come, along with walking backwards.
Don’t try walking backwards in the dark…
Two weeks in one…
I’m a little ashamed to say that my own imagination failed me so I consulted AI for a humourus quote on the subject – this is one of a few replies:
“The goal of meditation is not to control your thoughts, but to stop letting them control you—or at least pretend you’re a Zen master while thinking about yesterday’s pizza.”
I was thinking about tomorrow’s pizza.
A book I’ve enjoyed.
I haven’t enjoyed putting some of her ideas into practice. More to come.
Sounds like a way of spoiling a good walk. Like you I find walking ‘is’ meditation, without being mindful of it. 🙂
The famous quote “Golf is a good walk spoiled”
I don’t really know what meditation is! What I do know that, for me, getting out walking, away from distractions, is a good way to think things through and, sometimes, make a decision that’s been evacing me. Maybe that’s what Ruth means.
Exactly.
evading not evacing. I’ just making up stuff now 🤔
I couldn’t meditate to save my life, it seems such a waste of time when I could be doing something more positive. A countryside walk along a peaceful canal where I can take in the sights and sounds of nature is all the ‘meditation’ I need.
Yes, as you say, walking itself is relaxing, especially the ambles I do nowadays.