On the Way

Walking Meditation

Emptying out and recasting

Emptying out

Bring to mind all your expectations
about your walk
the feelings, hopes and fears
and cast them away

Do it again

When you are ready
get up and start walking

If your mind becomes filled
with thoughts
stop
and do this again

Recasting

As you walk
notice the sensations in your feet
in your legs and your hips
your spine and fingertips
notice your breathing
and all the other rhythms
in your body

Begin to pay attention
to the sensations on your skin
where it touches the air

Notice the sounds around you

Notice what you see
and if you notice something beautiful
hold it in mind
and carry it back with you

If it goes away
don't worry
do this again

Caveat

People
have thanked me for this
but their memory changes it

I don't know what I'm looking for
I often find beauty on the way
and I feel blessed