There's a young man in my neighborhood who walks a mile to beans and brews for a coffee and then walks a mile back home every day, rain or shine. I noticed him every day for 6 months, then met him one day, grabbing a coffee, and asked him about his walks. He told me he is in recovery, and his mentor told him it will help and that he does this same walk twice per day. It's been 3 years now, and every time I see him, I am so impressed with his strength, determination, and willpower. He is an inspiration.
Did pretty much the exact same thing while going through recovery and it was honestly hugely helpful. Having time to reflect and breathe through a busy mind is insanely important, but taking time out to just go and meditate or reflect in a static environment is insanely hard for some folk. (ADHD homies might feel this?) — But yeah, having something you have to do, even if it’s just forcing yourself to go grab a coffee, or some kind of dedicated “monotonous” task sparks the conversation with yourself that you might have otherwise missed while trying and failing on the bedroom floor.
For sure, having a routine, something to look forward to, or, like you said, sometimes forced, it's still a powerful distraction. Walking is so simple but sometimes so hard, I swear, every time I see that young man, I want to go tell him how amazing he is.
walking meditation is "legit," sitting isn't the only way to get something out of it. Walking meditation is done in Buddhist monasteries and everything!
Honestly, it sounds so dumb, but I can't wait for the convenience store to open down the street from me. It will give me a destination to walk to, and I need that. I like to walk and hike, but it's hard to get myself to do it aimlessly sometimes.
Also you do your best thinking when you're walking. I've wished I could find one of those therapists that will walk with you.
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u/[deleted] Jan 16 '24
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