Ever since the distribution of free newspapers began, people would flock in the mornings like bees towards the handout spots at subway stations for them. Well, there’s nothing wrong with getting a free paper. It’s always nice to see people take interest in current affairs… or is it just for the entertainment gossip? Reading can be a good habit, though an annoying fact about a handful of these newspaper-reading folks is that they read while they walk. Not only do they sometimes bump into people, they cause commuter jams in crowded stations.
The truth is, walking can be therapeutic meditation, but we often miss the opportunity to practise it. In today’s hectic lifestyle, it’s getting less possible to not do many things at once. The more we flood our mind with more to-dos, the more we think we feel alive? Unfortunately, that’s not true. While most of us are almost guilty of walking while talking on the mobile, I even see some reading novels and playing PS2 while walking – it’s quite absurd! The very first time that I truly walk with mindfulness was when I truly walked. The taste of true walking was beyond words. I really wish I could write more about that experience, but hey I’m not going to spoil the excitement of discovery for you. 😉 Â
Next time, slow things down a little, just simply walk… Just walking, you will really and literally walk into mindfulness. 😀
It’s very true. I am one who used to walk while reading. The mind is not focusing on what I am doing. But after being unable to walk for a short period of time last year ;-( made me very thankful of my ability to walk now. I now practice gratitude and take mindful steps while walking. 🙂
Even if we are not walking with perfect mindfulness at the moment, as long as we are walking towards it, it’s good enough in the moment 😉
Hey mongs, do take care =]
A humble thought.
I think true mindfulness is not being oblivious to others. It is walking with senses open, good enough to take note of others and provide help either by avoiding bumping or giving a hand to anyone (e.g. asking for directions?) In this case, a smooth, slow and swift walk is important. Leave the house early. 8/
There was a recent meditation practice that we need to concentrate on our steps while walking/climbing up the mountain.
I really walk concentrating on the steps as if one loses focus to admire the beauty on the way, 1 missed step & down the mountain one goes.
That really forced me to be mindful of my steps for the 1st time. Really a good way to train concentration…
Walking barefoot is good practice for mindfulness too… b’cos one has no choice but to sharpen mindfulness to get anywhere safely! 😉