When we typically think of meditation, we may imagine seeing someone sitting cross-legged with their eyes closed with little movement. While this is a common way to meditate, movement is another option.
Movement meditations are beneficial for individuals who have a lot of energy to release, someone who has difficulty sitting, or for someone who needs some energy to stay awake.
Different Forms of Movement Meditation
Walking.
A common movement meditation is walking. Walking can be done in your home or outside. And there are a few walking meditations to try. One moving meditation is moving your feet with each inhale and exhale, slowly moving and concentrating movement with the breath. A labyrinth is a wonderful place to practice. Find one near you: http://labyrinthlocator.com.
Tai chi. Qigong. Asana (yoga).
These practices focus the mind on repeated movement, stretching and utilizing muscles. By concentrating the mind of specific movements, the body and mind can come into a meditative state. A yoga class with top 40 music might be more challenging to find a meditative state as opposed to quiet music or self-practice.
Sufi Whirling. Dancing Meditation.
Finding a flow in dance is another option to focus the mind away from distracting thoughts or other activity around you. Be cognizant of the type of music you choose as this can be a factor in how easily you find the meditative state.
Aerobic Exercise.
Exercise can be an excellent way to release toxins and find a peaceful state. If seeking to find a meditative state during exercise, it is helpful to choose an exercise that does not require a lot of thinking. Examples of thinking exercises are basketball, tennis – anything that requires decision and response. Exercises that invite a more meditative state include activities that are more repetitive like rowing or running. During the exercise, find a regular pace (a cadence) of the movement of your body as well as your breath.
Forest Bathing.
Rather than a fast-paced hike, slowing down your pace to take in what you see in the forest or woods can sooth and calm the mind and body. Notice the shapes, colors, shadows, lines, textures of what is around you.
This is not an exhaustive list, meaning there are other movements that be meditative. What it comes down to is intention to focus and finding, and creating or choosing an environment that supports being able to focus our attention on the activity rather than our thoughts.
Photo Credit: Photo by Fitsum Admasu