I am often asked for my opinion on whether things like jogging, walking, journalling etc. could be considered meditation.

 

I can only offer my personal experience on this. I think there is no authority higher than your own inner wisdom, so you need to find that answer yourself.

 

But for what it’s worth, here’s mine:

 

In times when meditation was more difficult for me, I recall that going for walks in a nearby forest was a very uplifting and calming thing to do when I was not feeling well. I would not take a walkman (there were no iPods then!) or anything to distract me – and I always went alone.

 

Since I was already practicing yoga and meditation (just not every day) I understood the importance of focusing on my breath, and would do so as I walked. I did my best to really take in the grounding energy of the strong old trees and the expanding energy of the sky, the calming energy of the ground beneath my feet and the love I would feel from all the little life forms around me.

 

In short, I was walking mindfully – present in the moment and aware of myself (as if I were watching myself walk through the forest). And every single time I did this, it brought me a feeling of peace and even trust, that everything was going to be okay.

 

Now if I compare this feeling with the feelings I’ve experienced in sitting meditation (or lying down), I have to say that overall, the depths of insight and the highs of bliss that I’ve attained in sitting meditation, were not achieved in walking.

 

That doesn’t mean that every sitting meditation is “better” than every walking meditation. There are always exceptions. But this was my overall experience, so I logically chose to dedicate myself more to sitting meditation.

 

What I’ve found in the past, however, was that following my meditation, when I was going about household tasks, I would have sudden moments of insight – and I mean the life-changing kind!

 

The same thing would happen with journalling – and I think it can happen while jogging, walking, fishing, cooking or any number of other activities.

 

These insights can come to us in moments when we are not thinking too much (ie not trying to figure out our taxes!) but simply doing some routine activity. (right brain stuff)

 

There are no rules about this and people who’ve never meditated in their lives can experience sudden moments of deep peace or profound insight.

 

But they likely won’t last and in some cases, might even go unnoticed.

 

My experience has been the following: The more I meditate, the more I feel guidance in every aspect of my life – and it lasts. I feel that meditation has opened me in a way that makes it easier to recognize this guidance, and it always leads me to a feeling of peace. The guidance can come whenever, but it was the meditation that opened the door.

 

I can be mindful throughout my day with or without a formal meditation, but I find it easier to feel and follow my inner guidance when I’ve started the day (or ended the last one) with a meditation – even a short one.

 

So, I suppose my answer would be, yes, walking can also be meditation – if it’s done meditatively. As can anything else.  But for me personally, these are wonderful additions to compliment my practice – not to replace it.

I encourage you to do whatever works for you; whatever helps you to calm your mind and get in touch with your higher self. The main thing is to do something to connect with your inner wisdom – the unfolding of your path will always follow.

 

And if for you, like for me, that includes sitting meditation, you’ll know it. I would love to hear from others – what works best for you? Perhaps in sharing, you’ll be able to encourage someone else in their search.