Walking with a child or group of children is a perfect time to teach them about walking meditation.
Begin by picking a path or trail your group already knows so the concentration need not be on finding your way. You lead the way and this can be in single file or with kids alongside you - but do maintain the lead at the head of the line or pack, because you are setting a special pace for the meditation.
Before you set out check to see that no one is thirsty or hungry as these can be distractions to the lesson. If everyone carries a small water bottle, piece of fruit or nuts and a pack of tissues all needs should be met for half an hour, at least.
Don't forget the sunscreen, maybe hats with brims and dress appropriately. All the comfort features taken care of leave time to clear the mind for thoughts on the day's meditation.
Now, set out on your trail, walking at a slow pace for half a minute to warm up the muscles. Now tell your group that today you are learning a walking meditation.
The first part of the walk is learning to coordinate breathing with the walking rhythm. Here's how to explain:
"Take 2 walking steps for every breath in. And, take 2 walking steps for every breath out."
"In addition, let arms swing at sides in the pattern called opposition. This means as the right foot steps forward, the left arm swings forward. And, as the left foot steps forward, the right arm swings forward."
Tell the children you are now doing the first 2 parts of walking meditation:
1. Taking 2 steps for each breath in or out; 2. Swinging arms in opposition to legs.
Practice this pattern of regulated breathing with arms swinging in opposition for 5 minutes or more while the group remains silent and concentrates on making the pattern second nature.
The next part of the walking meditation follows without a break in the rhythmic walking pattern, and that is to keep up the pace and turn thoughts to how to show more care with family and friends at home and school. Ask the kids to think and plan one way they can do a helpful task after the meditation.
Ask the kids to use the rest of the walk for quiet time while keeping up the pace they've just established.
If you are walking with school age kids tell the benefits of coordinating walking and breathing. Explain that breath is a link between the body and mind, and when upset or stressed just doing the regular breathing and walking combination will calm the mind enough for a solution to come to mind.
Walking with preschoolers - gear the walking meditation to learning how to swing arms forward and back in opposition to the walking pattern. Ask the kids to think of ways to share nicely with other children. Leave out the directions for regular breathing. Explain that walking is a time to quietly think about what may be bothering them and ways to later get along with friends and family.
Finish the walking meditation by sitting down in a circle and giving each person a turn to share a way they thought of to do a kindness.
Collections for Kids and Teens
How to Teach Kids Sitting Meditation
How to Teach Kids Relaxation Meditation
Article and photo credit Susan Helene Kramer
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For offline reading
Meditation Lessons for AdultsMore than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.
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Meditation for all KidsSitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.
