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Walking is a great low-impact exercise, and yoga is good for body, mind and soul. Why not combine the two? Walking while doing yoga meditations will still burn calories, while leaving you feeling the calm of someone who has meditated for however long you walk. Simple breathing techniques, body awareness, and a new approach to walking will have you feeling better than you ever before.

Just breathe

The simplest of yoga meditations for walking uses breathe control. Try inhaling for twice as long as you exhale. According to yoga fundis, this will help your lungs expel more toxins than shorter inhalation. It’ll also stimulate your navel centre, which is said to give you extra vitality. Walking with controlled breathing will also calm you and centre you.

Notice your body

Pay attention to your body while you walk. Start off with some stretches to loosen up, and take a few steps. Notice how your foot makes contact with the ground. Notice your calf muscles working, the sway of your trunk and the way your arms swing. Aim for awareness rather than speed. While you walk, check for tension in your body, and focus on relaxing. Walking with awareness is meditation in motion.

Empty your mind

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Now, this is a tough one. Our minds are busy, and often racing with thoughts. Yoga meditations that focus on emptying the mind can be incredibly relaxing, and help you gain new perspectives on problems in your life. While you walk, choose something to focus on. Focus on your breath, your feet, or the scenery. Focus on every detail of whatever it is you’re observing, and relax. When a thought enters your mind, acknowledge it and let it go. It takes time to master a technique like this, but the rewards are huge.

So put on your walking shoes, and hit the pavement. Mindfully.

Tags: meditation, yoga