Welcome to Gaia! ::

I've seen several articles posted here on the subject of sitting meditation and the scientific studies done that have shown it has healing effects. This brings me to a question: Does anyone have any studies on walking meditation? Do both forms have similar effects? I'd assume so since a similar mindset is required for each to my knowledge, however, I'd like to know for sure. I've picked up a book on walking meditation for my aunt to attempt during her convalescence from surgery later this summer when she gets to a point where they wish for her to exercise, however, I don't wish to make any claims in the letter enclosed with it that I'm not sure on in regards to the health benefits of walking meditation, aside from the exercise and peaceful state of mind.

Also, if we could get a compilation of (preferably peer reviewed) articles that deal with the topic of the benefits of meditation, that'd be great. I have one on hand, however, the author doesn't want me to post it anywhere since it's not the final draft yet.

I've never seen any studies done on walking meditation, and that may be because of the instrumentation involved in measuring brain activity. It's difficult to do an MRI when your subject is walking around, after all.

But walking meditation is very important to Buddhism, and so I would imagine that its effects would be the same as sitting meditation. Walking meditation exists in Zen and in the Shambala tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

I will have to search for some good articles on the benefits of meditation, I think it would be a helpful resource to have here. 3nodding

Not to be ignorant, but I never head of walking meditation. If this is a form of meditation I don't think it would be successful for me. Sitting always works for me.

I haven't heard of any studies involving walking meditation, just mainly Zen, Theravada (Vipassana), Tibetan, and (I think) Hindu Yoga practices. Perhaps there's some study on at least some form of "dynamic" system like Tai Chi?

I've had a little success with walking meditation, though I prefer sitting meditation by far. I've also had a lot more success with my free-form 'dancing meditation,' which can either allow me to maintain mindfulness on my whole body or act as a mind-tranquilizing meditation (by allowing the mind to 'ride the energy' and thereby ignore stupid thoughts).

As Kill Garou mentioned, walking meditation it is more of a Theravadan mindfulness practice; I learned it from a seminar with a Theravadan monk.

Really?

My version of walking meditation was running and meditating.
Worked quite well, until I turned into a couch potato..... lol.


But honestly, I think that some people are more likely to clear their minds moving than staying still.

Hmmm Walking meditation I don't know if What I do would really be that but lets see (also I am not part of this guild but am a Buddhist, Tibbetan sect) I usually call it a "thought walk" which involves me simply just going for a long walk with only my thoughts on my mind (again not meditation just indepth thought).

It isn't meditative well least to me it definately isn't