One Step At a Time

Leaf peeping, sampling goodies at food festivals, sipping on pumpkin spice lattes, baking apple crumbles, and celebrating fall holidays all mean…October is here! I’m looking forward to taking part in these events, as well as my next Quest for Calm experience. It combines an activity I do every day and one that has been a challenge in years past. But first, let’s talk chakras.

Getting in touch with three of the seven energy centers located along my spine to the top of my head was interesting. I use that word because I was very curious about activating my Root Chakra, Sacral Chakra, and Third Eye Chakra. I felt concentrating on these particular areas would be best for achieving overall calmness, boosting my creativity, and clearing my mind. At least three times a week, I sat on my mat, repeated a phrase, did a breathing exercise, and held a yoga pose that related to one of the three chakras.

Those who do chakra work believe that by opening these circles of life as they are sometimes called, energy will flow more freely, and they will feel in harmony, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I did not have this experience. On the plus side, all steps in this process felt soothing. But while my body relaxed, my mind did not. Perhaps I was too focused on saying the affirmations and reflecting on their meanings. I also found that I had to schedule time to practice. Getting up in a middle of a project to do this chakra routine wasn’t always convenient.

If I continue with this practice, I will take a workshop or course so I can learn more under the guidance of a teacher. I also think it will be helpful to work on all chakras in one session, starting with the Root Chakra and ending with Crown Chakra. Maybe by opening each one, I will experience that flow of energy others do and truly feel balanced and in sync with my body and mind. Once I am more familiar working with my chakras, I can see this being a healthy way to begin my day. Open and receptive, and at peace, and ready to take on whatever awaits me!

Now on to October’s quest. This month I’ll focus on being mindful while moving, specifically I’ll be meditating while walking. Like most people, I walk every day. I walk around our house doing tasks. I walk with Robert and Kippers to the park. I walk from my car to stores, shops, and buildings when I run errands and have appointments. I walk with friends in and around our neighborhoods. It’s rare for me not to get in 10,000 steps recorded on my Fitbit, every single day. Yes, I’ve got the walking part down. But the meditation aspect? Not so much.

Several times over the course of my life I’ve tried to meditate. That is, to quiet my mind and be present. To direct my attention to my breath, notice when my mind wanders without judgment, and then bring it gently back to the here and now. This may sound simple, but for me, it’s a tall order! I’ve taken a few classes many years ago, and have read numerous books on the subject, but have yet to succeed in sitting for periods of time with a still mind. 

Because research has shown that people who meditate on a regular basis experience more restful sleep, have less anxiety and depression, are able to problem solve easier, as well as deal with emotional issues better, it’s something I’ve longed to learn. I realize part of my challenge is not judging myself and the other is sitting still. The way I release tension is by moving. Knowing this, I am hopeful that being able to walk while simply observing what’s happening in and around me, will keep me in the present moment, and will ultimately lead to a quiet mind.

From my journal: June 9, 2001, Newbury Park, California

“At the Borchard Community Center, discovered a labyrinth walk – very cool!”

Digging through my books I found, Practicing Mindfulness: An Introduction to Meditation by Professor Mark W. Muesse. It has a section on walking meditation that I will use as a reference. The instructions are straightforward. I’ll look for a good location, maybe I’ll finally explore the labyrinth that I learned of years ago! I’ll wear comfortable clothes, and before beginning, I’ll scan for and release any tension in my body. Taking small steps, I’ll focus on lifting my feet, moving them forward, and placing them down. I’ll note my breath and coordinate it with my steps. I’ll let my arms swing gently at my sides. While it may feel awkward to be this zeroed in on each movement at first, I hope to find a natural rhythm. I’ll also consider my posture, remembering to keep myself upright. Most of all, I’ll try to stay open and be attentive to whatever happens during this time. Once my walk is done, I’ll stop, stand still, and will take note of how I feel. 

As I have done each month since my Quest for Calm began, I’ll dedicate 15 – 30 minutes, three times a week to this activity and will record my findings. By focusing on one step at a time, I’ll keep in mind that like walking, life is a series of here and now moments. And especially in this practice, I’ll remind myself that my walking has no destination, no goal, only awareness.