Walking meditation is a particularly useful way to recover your peace and balanced mind and body after being upset or stressed. It is for kids, teens and adults.

The body, mind, emotions are tied together with the breath.

Even and regulated breathing calms the body and mind when upset.

Walking along with regulated breathing is especially useful in bringing the mind back to center: you are combining physical and the breath in a harmonious rhythmic pattern.

To begin:

Pick a pathway you are used to and that has a safe walking surface. Next consideration is safety from predators, so either walk with a buddy or in an enclosed area like the inside perimeter of a playground or school track. I especially like to take a regular walk on the nearby college track when teams are not working out.

As you step out begin a regular rhythmic pattern of breathing, such as one count for every two steps. Let your arms swing at your side back and front in opposition to your legs. For example: as your right foot steps forward, swing your left arm forward, and as your left foot steps forward swing your right arm forward.

So now you have your breathing and physical exercise all set. It's time to add thoughts that calm and bring harmony back into your life so that when your walk is over you feel positive about the issues you face.

When you set out think about a positive event from your past. Try to relive that experience on your walk. The benefits of remembering are it takes you back to a harmonious state of mind; you are recreating it for the present. Just to remember and recreate those thoughts while walking clears away the debris of unrest and any negativity you may be feeling.

You are replacing negative with positive thoughts, which can snowball into further positive ideas to help solve any problems in your life. Also, recreating the positive event shows that you can get through difficulties and regain peace of mind again.

Let the rhythm and regular breathing of walking help you with your problem solving while invigorating you with fresh energy brought up through walking.

Walking meditation is a movement meditation that brings forward the eternal peace that lies within each of us. And in the deeper peace we most easily find the answers to recovering harmony in our lives.

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For offline reading

Meditation Lessons for Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.

Meditation by Susan Helene Kramer