10 Ways to Walk Like a Buddha: Mindful Trekking Essentials

For Buddhists, walking is one of the practices through which Enlightenment can be achieved. To do so, it is essential to proceed slowly, bringing the attention of body, mind and heart to each single step in order to connect with one's inner world and, at the same time, with the surrounding environment.

Embarking on a walk with this mindset allows you to live your experience in a more conscious and, consequently, deeper way. No particular training or effort is required, except what is needed to get used to maintaining concentration on walking and listening to what happens.

Buddhism, in fact, beyond being a religion without dogmas and commandments to follow, is also a lifestyle and a spiritual science founded on certain principles and teachings that promote self-confidence and, together, tolerance toward others.

If you want to experience its meaning, try following these guidelines.

Here are 10 ways to walk like a Buddha.

1. Observe your footprints. With each step, look at the mark you have left on the ground, so as to connect with it and perceive your stability, your presence in the world. Without making any effort: when you bring your attention to your feet touching the ground you are immediately aware of the moment you are living, in the "here and now," free from all worries and expectations.

2. Welcome life for what it is, accept the challenges and obstacles you encounter on your path just as you welcome joys and satisfactions. Sometimes the only thing to do is simply to accept.

3. Learn through direct and personal experience: if you take a wrong turn, do not despair or lose heart, but evaluate the mistake and act accordingly. What is it teaching you? What can you do to change the situation? What will you do next time?

4. The only certainty is change. Sooner or later you will encounter an unexpected event or will have to change your plans, it is the law of the universe that permeates everything and guides our choices, do not worry excessively and find another solution.

5. Every action has a reaction. You are the only one who can choose how to react to the situations that arise, and it is precisely how you react that determines your future, your successes, your relationships, your way of being. What contribution do you want to give to the world?

6. Each of us is part of a single vital flow, the interests of one should therefore be those of all; do not think only of your own goals, make choices for the common good, share your discoveries with others. If you have found a better path or can advise someone, do so with sincere participation.

7. Do no harm, do good. Be kind to your fellow travelers and to other wayfarers, use words and silence at the right moment, do not lie. Everything you give, comes back to you.

8. Become who you are. Do not be afraid to discover your limits and weaknesses, they are what allow you to grow and move toward the achievement of full personal fulfillment.

9. Meditate. Inner life is just as important as daily activity and it is therefore necessary to dedicate some time to rest and reflection to maintain the right balance and not go to excess. Find the time to stop, relax and let go.

10. Follow the Guide and become yourself a Guide for yourself and for others. Trust those who have traveled farther than you, but do not let yourself be conditioned, learn and grow, but always act with a critical spirit, help others take their first steps.