Anyone Can Meditate
I always thought that meditation meant sitting in a corner trying to empty my mind. That just doesn’t work for me. I recently learned that there are lots of different types of meditations, many of which are easier for people like me who have active minds. One such meditation is walking meditation.
Here is some explanation and guidance on walking meditation by Laura Alper, a clinical social worker in practice in Millburn, NJ for over 30 years. She is a meditation instructor and practitioner who has completed Harvard’s intensive mind-body institute, and studied with many of the world’s foremost authorities on meditation and Buddhist psychology.
According to Alper, the intent of meditation is to reduce stress by centering oneself in the present moment, freeing one’s mind from past regrets or future worries. In doing so, one elicits the “relaxation response” which is measurable by a lowered heart rate, breathing rate, metabolic rate and a change in brain waves.
Danielle Hark is a wellness writer, photographer and freelance photo editor. She is also a mental health advocate and founder of BrokenLightCollective.com, the online photography gallery for people affected by mental illness. As someone who has struggled with mental health issues, her mission is to help as many other people who are struggling, using photography and creativity whenever possible. www.DanielleHark.com
