What A Difference Two Years Make

Today I did a lovely walking meditation. I first spent 10 minutes in seated meditation and then followed that with 20 minutes of walking meditation, basically pacing, very slowly, the span of the great room. Romanov watched me for a while but then decided it was entirely too boring and moved to lie in the kitchen.

Contrary to some assumptions, walking slowly requires much more balance than walking naturally. In other words, my choosing to do this is a triumph over the vertigo. It takes concentration and mindfulness.

This is how I live even when I move “naturally,” always aware of the slight shifts in my balance and making adjustments accordingly. I used a cd that came along with a book I have on walking meditation. Two years ago when I received this book/dvd/cd combination, I read the book (devoured it, really) and watched the dvd. I listened to the cd but I did all of these things in my bed, unable to participate in it actively. Instead, I visualized myself, focused my intention upon the day when I would do the meditation as it is presented.

And today I listened to the seated meditation practice and then allowed myself to explore the first walking meditation. Listening to Anh-Huong Nguyen soft voice reminded me very much of the first time I heard Thich Nhat Hanh speak. The only word I could come up with to describe it was/is Peace. I followed her delicate guidance throughout the thirty minutes and when the time was done, I just let the silence, disturbed only by the sound of my various wind chimes, embrace me.

It is a lovely day for me. A gracious and gentle day. I feel so wonderful for doing something today that was impossible for me two years ago.

Below is a portion of the video included in the book—Thich Nhat Hanh leading a discussion on walking meditation. The dvd that comes with the book is longer but this will give you an idea of what it is I am describing.