Walking Meditation: The National Mall

I guess you could say I engaged in a "Bikram" form of meditative walking. 115 heat index should have done the trick.

Earlier this afternoon, my wife, her college roommate, and I made a trip into DC to do a little tour of some of the USA's finest museums and national monuments. After visiting the National Holocaust Memorial, the three of us decided to walk to the Washington Monument and onward to the Lincoln Memorial before making our way back to NOVA. I don't think I have experience an oven-like feeling as today's weather gave to our region, but I took it as an opportunity to mindfully incorporate it into the practice of meditative walking.

As my wife and her roommate caught up on life over the past 6 months, I took the opportunity to quietly walk the length of the National Mall about 5-6 paces in front of them, and to drink in my surroundings. Here's what I experienced...

- I was hot. My entire body tingled with the expulsion of sweat and the slight sunburn I got from being outside.

- I could hear things more clearly as I focused on bringing awareness to my senses. I could understand conversations of people walking by, my wife, and her roommate. I could smell the scent of cut grass around us, and of the hot dog stands nearby. I was also able to see small changes in the environment from squirrels and birds moving across the ground to minor details of people's faces and postures as I passed them. It seemed odd to notice all of these details as I walked, but also very profound. It seemed like nothing could get past me in the moment.

- As the walk continued, my thoughts began to move inward, and I began to follow lovingkindness meditation and compassion for myself and those who I passed along the way. At one point, my gaze connected with another person, and we exchanged a soft, smile. It was connection with no specific direction, but one that passed peace. It was refreshing, and it only furthered my continued reciting of compassion inside.

- Upon reaching the Lincoln Memorial, I took several moments to look across the National Mall toward the Capital and spoke thanksgiving for freedom. I had stood there time before, but a moment of meditation made the feeling stronger this time.

- Finally on the Metro returning home, I focused on breathing deeply for recovery and awareness of my physical being. I eventually felt grounded after 5-7 minutes, and felt relaxed for the remainder of the evening amidst the continued heat.

Although I abandoned my attempt at a Labyrinth walk on Friday due to the heat, this experience was too good to pass. I felt as if I needed to put greater effort in staying focused due to the heat, but an effort that paid-off with some great experiences.