A Modern Witch's Guide to Walking Meditations

Meditation is so important in this day and age. It is the key to a happy body, a happy mind, and a happy spirit. Meditation helps keep your mind ad ease, and has so very many health benefits waiting to be discovered. You do not need to sit still to meditate! You can do it as you walk! Walking meditations are wonderful if you love to walk or explore. Or if you struggle mainly with sitting still for too long. You can couple meditation with exercise and reap the reward of a healthy lifestyle!

The first and foremost thing to remember with any meditation, is to be present in the here and now. There is no use in being stuck in the past, or looking too far ahead. You want to feel grounded and safe, as well as steady. If your mind wanders, let the thought come in, but also let the thought leave. Try to keep your mind as clear as possible during any meditation. A clear mind, is a happy mind. Meditation never works with a bunch of mind chatter. Another important tip for meditation, watch your breathing, REMEMBER to breathe. It is all about the breath. Take a breath in and count to five, and do the same as you breathe out. Do this until you feel relaxed, but not until you are light headed. Remember as you walk to keep a steady breath, conscious breathing is a form of meditation in itself. Carry a crystal with you, whether it is one that resonates with your soul or whether it is one like black obsidian that helps to keep you grounded. Keep a steady pace, not too fast and not too slow.

Use your senses to keep you present.

1. Pick a part of your surrounding, pick a land mark, pick a tree, pick a flower. Find something you can see. Keep this object in mind and use it as a focusing point. It will help keep the chatter in your mind to a minimum. Even if it is the crystal in your hand, in your pocket, or possibly in your bra. Just focus on that item and keep it in mind. Focus is an important part of meditation. Still be sure to keep aware of your surroundings so you do not get hurt!

2. Use your nose to pin point a scent that uplifts you, that calms you. A scent that helps you remember you are here, and you are in the now. What scent does this for you? Is it freshly mowed grass? Honeysuckle in the breeze? The smell of the earth right before it rains? Pick a scent, let it help you keep focused, let it help you stay present. Let your scent fill your senses. Let it intermingle with your soul. If your mind wanders let your scent bring you back to the present.

3. Listen to the sounds that surround you as you walk. Pick a sound that keeps you focused, that keeps you in the here, and in the now. Do you hear the wind rustling the leaves? Or perhaps what keeps you grounded is the sound of gravel under your feet? Whether it is the birds chirping in the trees, or even the laughter of small children as they play outside, let this keep you centered and focused. If your mind wanders remember, you can bring yourself back with this sound.

4. Find something you can touch. Pick up a rock, a fallen leaf, or a stick. How does it feel? How does it make you feel? Remember not to pick living flowers, let them live! Is it rugged? Is it smooth? Is it hard or soft? If it solid or hollow? Let this object keep you grounded and present. If your mind wanders let your object bring you back into the present.