Walking Meditation

There is something about going for a long walk.....around a Lake (my compliments to whichever man Made this one...the local wildlife have certainly given the seal of approval) watching turtles sun themselves on the logs, a gorgeous Blue Heron walking gingerly in the mud, conversations about social justice swirling about us....
I forgot what it is like to really WALK. I try to walk in my own neighborhood, but invariably I get about half a block and someone stops me to chit chat about the School Board or the Proposed bypass or Recycling Day or, well, you get the idea. Yesterday was a chance to walk for the sake of walking, with people who are not only of sound mind, but in great shape....because they do these walks daily. They have incredibly busy, productive lives as Defenders of Justice. We talked about the importance of Walking the Walk. At one point, when the children who were with us asked yet another really observant question about the local flora, I realized how relaxed I felt. This adorable, very bright eight year old slipped her hand in mine and said quietly...."and later, can we KNIT?"
My heart is FULL.

Comments

[Em]

I get so relaxed when I read your blog, Greta. It's like yoga for the mind. (ooh, book idea!)

This post and my doctor yesterday have made me really miss walking around the lakes in Mpls. Especially Lake of the Isles. I don't care how pretty the parks are in this adopted city of mine, nothing compares to that spot. Even when it's overrun with Canadian geese.

[Mary Beth]

Nice post! I see you are spreading the joy with a child.

[caroline]

THanks, Greta, for lifting my spirits and reminding me of what's really important...

[Nathania]

sigh... it's been a long time since I've done walking meditation. The very first time was at Green Gulch Farm in Marin, part of the San Francisco Zen Center. I went with friends for an entire day of meditation, Zen and Vipassana. Walking meditation through the gardens there was amazing. I was on my hands and knees in the clover watching the bees gather nectar with their long tongues and filling the pollen sacks on their hind legs. I could see each individual hair, all the minute details alive before me. Thanks for reminding me, Greta.

[Celia]

This was just what I needed today. A reminder that the daily walk can be very restorative. Try it sometime at 6:30 am with your puppy. It's one of my favorite things to do.

[Sharon]

I love walking. Why have I stopped. Thanks for the reminder about what I'm missing. Lovely post, Greta.

[Rachael]

That's such an LMM moment! I love it. Thanks for telling us about your lovely Walk.....
xo

[Jane]

I think your Charlotte is lovely! Just like a crisp autumn day. Puppy Princess is charming in her new sweater, too. Any chance I could get a room in the dorm - sounds too good to be true!