A walking meditation

I went for a walk with my two year old.  A very slow walk, no rush, no hurry, all at her pace.  We stopped to watch a bee as it zipped past our noses.  We watched butterflies dancing around the flowers.  We stamped our feet and splashed in muddy puddles.  We picked up sticks and poked them in the mud.  I marvelled at how she explored her new world, the world that has only been hers for just over one and a half years and which she has only begun exploring freely in the last few months.  I had to force myself to slow down, to go at her pace.  The washing can wait, we can tidy up later.  Right now we’re seeing the world through new eyes.

Our walk reminded me of walking meditation.  An art I should practise more often, I believe.  It is about walking with awareness, walking without destination.  The purpose is to be present in the moment;

Thich Nhat Hahn (A wonderful Buddhist Monk and Teacher) wrote:

            “The mind can go in a

            Thousand directions

            But on this beautiful path,

            I walk in peace

            With each step

            A cool wind blows

            A flower blooming.”

Thank you for reminding me to be present in the moment, my little teacher: