What's your opinion on walking in nature as a form of meditation? I really like walking down the trail next to my apartment for 30 min- half an hour to mentally unwind. I find it brings em a lot of clarity
Walking meditation is great! I love a good walk to unwind.
That said, you'll probably only get so far with walking meditation alone. It creates a constant stream of visual stimulus, and you need to stay somewhat attuned to your surroundings in order to stay safe. I've even heard of some advanced meditators collapsing mid-walk as they slip into a deep meditative state!
Thank you for writing this - it's so clear and simple. I've always struggled with keeping up a long-term meditation practice but this has re-motivated me.
Quick question - when you are at the phase of "just sit" - do you keep your eyes open or closed (obviously they'd be open for the narrow/wide awareness exercise, but I'm asking more generally)
Good question! I actually meant to address this and forgot.
I go back and forth. Eyes closed, I usually find it easier to relax, but might fall asleep; eyes open, it's easier for me to tune into my immediate sensations and to stay alert. I'd suggest experimenting and seeing what works best for you.
I've found adding isochronic tones/beats to be a welcome addition to my usual meditation sessions. Experimenting with different frequencies and forms of breathwork have also had some excellent results.
"I also feel a tactile motion in the perceived direction of the bark, as though my skin were reaching out to touch it. If it surprises me, I might feel a jolt of energy through my limbs."
There was a nice and technical video by the Thunderbolts guys about eyes and light, which is what one masters in meditation, though with the internal eye leading to the universal overview- it was your electrical pulses that reminded me of it. The vid.;
What's your opinion on walking in nature as a form of meditation? I really like walking down the trail next to my apartment for 30 min- half an hour to mentally unwind. I find it brings em a lot of clarity
Walking meditation is great! I love a good walk to unwind.
That said, you'll probably only get so far with walking meditation alone. It creates a constant stream of visual stimulus, and you need to stay somewhat attuned to your surroundings in order to stay safe. I've even heard of some advanced meditators collapsing mid-walk as they slip into a deep meditative state!
Thank you for writing this - it's so clear and simple. I've always struggled with keeping up a long-term meditation practice but this has re-motivated me.
Quick question - when you are at the phase of "just sit" - do you keep your eyes open or closed (obviously they'd be open for the narrow/wide awareness exercise, but I'm asking more generally)
Good question! I actually meant to address this and forgot.
I go back and forth. Eyes closed, I usually find it easier to relax, but might fall asleep; eyes open, it's easier for me to tune into my immediate sensations and to stay alert. I'd suggest experimenting and seeing what works best for you.
I've found adding isochronic tones/beats to be a welcome addition to my usual meditation sessions. Experimenting with different frequencies and forms of breathwork have also had some excellent results.
This is so helpful, definitely the best instruction manual for meditation I've ever come across.
"I also feel a tactile motion in the perceived direction of the bark, as though my skin were reaching out to touch it. If it surprises me, I might feel a jolt of energy through my limbs."
There was a nice and technical video by the Thunderbolts guys about eyes and light, which is what one masters in meditation, though with the internal eye leading to the universal overview- it was your electrical pulses that reminded me of it. The vid.;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byqsJE4ZHxM
What a wonderful post!
this is such an approachable kind guide to meditation I think I just might give it another whirl