Day 26 - Walking Meditation

Walking meditation is a practice that I learned at Zendo as well.  It is a technique we would all bounce up to participate in after a our hour long Zazen "sits".  This is especially beneficial for those who still claim they are always on the go and too busy to sit for meditation.  Without getting lost in our thoughts, be conscious of every aspect of your walk, your body, how it feels and please keep your eyes open.  Notice the sensations in your body.  Scan the awareness from the soles of the feet and all the way up through every part of your body with your breath.  Everyone has time for a brisk walk, and this can be a chance for you to quiet your mind as well.  Take the ear buds out and just be a witness on your walk. 

Top 5 Tips to practice Zazen Meditation - Happy Buddha Purnima

Day #2 – 30 Day Meditation Challenge – How to Practice Buddhist Meditation

Today is day#2 of our Meditation Challenge and also the Buddha Purnima, which is the day that commemorates the Birthday/Death Day/Enlightenment Day of Buddha.  A few years back I had the amazing privilege to visit the Dai BoSatsu Zendo (Upstate NY), and participate in a week of ZazenMeditation while teaching daily yoga class.  It was a beautiful experience!  We would sit for 6 hours a day in Meditation.  This practice of meditation illuminates all the noise within, the memories, unforgiveness, mental clutter, with the purpose of eventually leading to healing, revelation, enlightenment, nirvana.  While the Zendo was a magical place, and the outside property with a gorgeous lake and landscape provided the perfect setting to explore meditation, ultimately the practice of meditation is about being in the present moment.  This post is to share some helpful tips to approaching Meditation from the Zazen Practice.

 "Do not dwell on the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate your mind on the present moment" ~ Buddha

The Top 5 Tips to approach your Meditation "Zazen Buddhist" Style:

1.     SIT -Sit still with a completely upright spine on your meditation cushion/Zafu, or bench.  Keep your hands palms up, right fingers on top of left and tips of the thumbs touch.

2.     EYES - Keep your eyes slightly open in a soft gaze to stay in present moment rather than drift into the mind.

3.     BREATH - Let your breath be natural and count the breaths, should your thoughts stray from your breath then return to 1.

4.     SILENCE – Be sure all cell phones are off (not just vibrate), no music, no distractions, just peaceful silence

5.     SMILE – Have a tiny smile on your face, meditation should be a practice you enjoy, so turn your frowns upside down, lift the corners of your lips and begin your practice.

Wishing you all the best on this beautiful journey!