Walking meditation

As spring arrives in my part of the world, I thought it'd be a good idea to use some of my lunch break at work for walking meditation. I've never been a particular fan of the normal style of walking meditation that you get on retreats, and I know that several teachers - including Kenneth - actually advise against it. It has always seemed to me a rather unappreciative and uncurious way to move through the world: eyes down, blinkers on, ears closed.

So I thought I'd ask you all which methods of walking meditation you like to use best.

I'm also curious as to whether anyone has found it useful to explore Kenneth's 'energy field' method of walking meditation which he outlines here:
kennethfolkdharma.wetpaint.com/page/Walking+Meditation

Thanks!
Andy

Hi Andy,

I have been doing loud noting while taking my walks.
It works almost like sitting meditation but with "softer" stages.
Actually I find it easier to maintain loud noting for a long time while physically active (to a certain degree of course) as I don't get "too" concentrated.

/Pejn

A small bump to this thread in case anyone has anything useful to add.

I've been bringing walking meditation into practice far more regularly over the last few weeks although I've still to check out that post you've linked to. My own practice is just Mahasi Sayadaw-style walking meditation, so I begin with noting the rise/fall of the feet and gradually include the sensations of "placing", "bending", "intending", "stopping", "turning" etc etc. I don't find the "eyes down, blinkers on, ears closed" approach very useful, there's too much focus on a narrow field of experience which usually brings me quickly into jhana rather than remaining at a bare sensate level.

I don't know if that's of any use to you, I'd recommend checking out Mahasi Sayadaw and Sayadaw U Pandita's books for some really good advice on walking meditation. DIY Dharma also has some good stuff on very basic walking meditation which might be worth a wee look.

- Tommy