Walking Practice

 

In my last post I talked about how my meditation schedule has changed in the mornings.  I thought I might share what I'm actually practicing.  Previously I would typically wake up and:

• Recite the Five Recollections
• Begin a silent meditation for 30 minutes during which I would...
• Start with concentration meditation briefly, then...
• Move in to an open awareness practice, followed by wrapping up with....
• A quick Metta Bomb (one of my favorites taken from Pablo Das) practice at the end.

Since the new schedule has been in place, I have less time for the silent sit, and more time for doing practice while I walk, which I've always enjoyed doing.  So now the practice morning looks like this:

• Walking Meditation begins with...
• The Five Recollections, followed by...
• 24 Brand New Hours by Thich Nhat Hanh recitation
• Breath Awareness for a bit, then...
• Walking with my Ancestors practice from TNH, followed by....
• Mindful Walking for a bit, and finally...
• Metta or some other heart practice, then just before work I do...
• Silent Sitting practice that is just open awareness the whole time.

Though I am rooted in Theravada Buddhism, I first encountered Buddhism (and walking meditation) through Thich Nhat Hanh and I still enjoy some of those practices today.  My walking practice, the recollections, the 24 hours bit,  and the ancestor stuff are all from TNH and they're lovely to do.  I recommend them for anyone regardless of what tradition you call home.