User:Brittany814/Walking-meditation

Inspiration
Walking meditation is an ancient practice invented by the Buddha to bring peace and calm to the mind for over 2,500 years. It is a simple but effective way to meditate that can be done anywhere, at any time. Mindful walking has become a popular way to increase self-awareness and well-being, especially among people from different cultures. Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist Zen monk, is credited with popularizing the practice.

ORGIN/HISTORY

https://www.bps.lk/olib/wh/wh464_Nyanadhammo-etal_Walking-Meditation--Three-Expositions.html

Walking meditation, sometimes known as kinhin (Chinese: 經行; Pinyin: jīngxíng; Romaji: kinhin or kyōgyō; Korean: gyeonghyaeng; Vietnamese: kinh hành), is a practice within several forms of Buddhism that involve movement and periods of walking between long periods of sitting meditation. In different forms, the practice is common in various traditions of both Theravada and in Mahayana Buddhism.

Buddhism has created four main body postures to achieve mindfulness: standing, sitting, lying down and walking.

FORM

https://baguiozencenter.wordpress.com/walking-meditation/

To properly practice, the correct form is required. The right hand is placed near the solar plexus and clenched lightly about the thumb. The left hand is covering the right. Elbows should be projecting slightly outward, with forearms parallel to the floor. The eyes should be focused about six feet forward.

PRACTICE:

''Practitioners typically walk clockwise around a room while holding their hands in a gesture with one hand closed in a fist while the other hand grasps or covers the fist (Chinese: 叉手; pinyin: chā shǒu; rōmaji: shashu). During walking meditation each step is taken after each full breath. The pace of walking meditation can be either slow (several steady steps per each breath) or brisk, almost to the point of jogging.'' - CURRENTLY IN THE ARTICLE

https://www.bps.lk/olib/wh/wh464_Nyanadhammo-etal_Walking-Meditation--Three-Expositions.html. -->

While practicing, it is critical the individual is being mindful of walking, counting and breathing. This is a difficult state for some to constantly "be" in. In some cases, border or distractions might attempt to interrupt a meditation session. Resisting distractions can help practitioners build positive meditation practice habits. Though, the practice should not put a practitioner endanger. If an event that needs your attention takes place, take a moment to resolve the issue as quickly and safely as possible then continue with your walk.

Religious Practices
The practice of walking meditation is a common practice among many religions as a means of deeper emotional and stronger spiritual understanding. The most prevalent religion this is practiced within is Buddhism. With Buddhist beliefs holding the earth and its resources in high regard, this practice is used for them as a means of having a deeper connection with nature and with one's self. This practice, while not as uniform as a common practice, has made its way into other religions such as Christianity. With an emphasis on viewing creation as works of God, members of the Christian faith will often go out into nature as a means of growing closer in their spiritual connection with God. This path is often referred to as pilgrimage, a journey or pathway that leads to a closer connection to God.