more about walking, drawing and journalling
Image by Youcef Chenzer
WALKING MEDITATION
Today’s motivation comes from Thich Nhat Hanh and Wietske Vriezen in their book Mindful Movements. Here is a link to the ten mindfulness movements 10 Mindfulness Movements
When people have peace in themselves then there can be peace in the world. This is our practice every day. Life is a path, but life is not about getting to a certain place…walking meditation…a way to practice moving without a goal or intention. Mindful walking simply means walking while being aware of each step and of our breath. It can be practiced anywhere, whether you are alone in nature or with others in a crowded city…Mindful walking can release our sorrows and our worries and help bring peace into our body and mind. MINDFUL MOVEMENTS.
Slow walking changes the way we are in the world. Nothing to do, nowhere to go, just one step, one step, one step.
You can engage in slow walking meditation in your room, moving from one side of the room to the other (this would be good for those of you who are isolating) or outside. Notice what arises in your mind.
DRAWING MEDITATION: Mandala
Take a piece of paper and some pastels. Write a word that emerged from your walking meditation, for example, the word ‘grace’ or ‘nurturing’ or whatever resonates with you. Write it in the centre of your page. Then using your pastels, start to build around the word with awareness of line, shape, colour, texture, etc. Slowly begin to create your mandala, a circular drawing around your chosen word. Take your time. Go slowly. enjoy the lack of pressure, and the joy of pastel drawing.
More information about mandalas:
JOURNALLING
Write for 15 minutes or more about your experience of walking and drawing.
You can use the technique, borrowed from Natalie Goldberg “What I really want to say is…” ( Wild Mind by Natalie Goldberg and Natalie Goldberg's writing tips). You can follow this with the Proprioceptive technique of “and what I mean by that is…” (Proprioceptive Writing). “What I really want to say” helps us move our story forward (the horizontal storyline) and “what I mean by that is” gives us the opportunity to deep dive into the vertical zone.
May today sparkle for you,
Margi