"The purpose of training is to tighten the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit."
-Morihei Ueshiba
"Everywhere I go, I still have time to meditate. People think meditating is sitting there, nobody bothering you, but you can even talk and still meditate."
-Jet Li
Hello, I finally got around to writing about a dear topic for me concerning meditation; that of walking meditation.
This is a technique where one walks and meditates simultaneously. I know, it's different, but this is especially integral to one of my favorite styles of martial arts; Baguazhang.
Many do this with a specific prayer, mantra or incantation to focus on, the most common I have come across is that of the Loving-Kindness mantra, but I personally do this rarely. I recommend practicing keeping a mind as blank as possible. Doing so allows me to get in touch with my senses, and as I focus on breathing allow me to better focus on the now.
"May all beings be happy, content and fulfilled, May all beings be healed and whole, May all beings have whatever they want and need May all beings be protected from harm and free from fear, May all beings be awakened, liberated and free, May there be peace on the earth and the entire universe."
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I frankly prefer the heart sutra;
For those who prefer not to keep a sutra in mind, I recommend as I wrote above to keep the mind blank. I do this myself more often than I any other mantra. This form of meditation is also extremely useful as a time of contemplation. I do that as often as I attempt to keep the mind blank.
I recommend doing this exercise for between fifteen and twenty minutes, but of course your meditation is your own; do it as long as feels right or allowable. We all have different schedules after all.
As you do this exercise keep your eyes open and focus on breathing. Breathing in many ways is an epitome of the present. It happens now, and allows one to focus on that. It is a sign of life, and will remind oneself of their existence. Good breathing habits promote good health.
There are two ways I recommend doing these breathing exercises; one is in through the nose and out through the mouth. The second is slightly more complex.
One breathes as if they were snoring softly. Not that rip-chain sound, but one does it by placing their tongue on the roof of their mouth (the palate) and inhaling and exhaling. This is also known as Bhramari Pranayama, or humming bee breath.
"How to practice a simple humming meditation:
1 - Find a quiet place... ...straighten your spine and neck, drop your shoulders – and relax. Gently touch your lips together so your hum can travel easily into your head, face and neck muscles. Relax your jaw. Play some soft background music to enhance your experience.
2 – Take a deep slow breath in, and then create a “mmm” sound on your exhale, without opening your lips. Continue to hum for the length of your exhale. You can make it musical but traditionally it’s more of a tone than a tune.
3 – Re-new breath then continue.
Start with 1 minute and increase over time to 15 minutes. One key point which is shared by many yogic and Tibetan wisdoms is the importance of sitting still for a few minutes after your humming meditation."
One then begins to walk at a normal pace. It is common to start walking slowly once you begin.
Focus on your breathing as you walk; thoughts and sensations may and probably will intrude. Receive them, and then let them pass on. This is part of the process of existing, especially in the now.
When you have finished your walk (there is no specific method of how to do the walk such as heel to toe as some yogic teachers do instruct, I personally feel you should walk as is normal for you. This is about relaxing and developing the mind, not in teaching oneself how to walk properly and healthily, which is a different but related topic)
This form of meditation allows one to phase meditation into their day to day activities as well as incorporating it into everything they do with enough practice. Martial arts is literally in everything we do when we have reached a certain level of immersing ourselves in its practice.
When one can literally go the entire day practically and effectively while meditating they will have reached a level of spirituality and mentality that many can spend their whole lives reaching for. It enables peace and serenity, two aspects many in the martial arts forget are what we practice and fight for.
Baguazhang itself is a martial art style devoted to the internal aspect of it. And it's primary techniques involve methodical walking. Doing a circle or figure eight is common, and not only increases one's health, especially in terms of ability to breath, but also develops a very powerful core which is essential to kicking with power in other arts. Baguazhang for example has made my kicks in Tae Kwon Do exceptionally strong.
And consider this; without walking one cannot really move in the ring. Having a clear mind when we fight allows us to reach new levels of ability. This practice can allow one to practice both, if one chooses. That seems reason enough alone to give it a try.
"I see martial arts as a moving form of meditation. When you're sparring or drilling techniques, you can't think of anything else."
-Joe Rogan.
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