"Like millions of others around the world, I have been moved by the 2,300-mile walk for peace undertaken by 19 Buddhist monks from Texas to Washington, D.C. The journey was not without its dangers and difficulties. The monks, who often walked barefoot, battled frigid weather, snow, ice, and storms. One monk was hit by a truck and needed to have his leg amputated. Yet they persisted, hoping to bring some peace and understanding to a suffering and violent world."
"It used to be that people would privilege sitting meditation, believing that this was the pinnacle of the form meditation should assume. However, a recent talk by Joseph Goldstein (October 2025), one of the most senior teachers, practitioners, and writers on mindfulness, has called that belief into question. Joseph said, at the end of a long retreat, that after 50 years of practice, he is now finding walking to be, as he put it, the "most insightful.""
"When we sit in community, when the practice is over, and people leave, we often feel alone. However, he feels that in walking meditation, if we feel that the earth is holding us, we are not alone. This way of meditating can simplify the practice. He suggests saying to ourselves, "Just this" with each step as the feet touch the ground. Or perhaps saying, "Here," or "Now.""
Nineteen Buddhist monks walked 2,300 miles from Texas to Washington, D.C., often barefoot, enduring frigid weather, snow, ice, storms, and severe injury while persisting for peace and understanding. Walks are an honored Buddhist tradition because they calm body and mind, develop awareness, sustain focus, and enhance connection with others. Walking meditation offers grounding and a sense that the earth is holding one, which reduces feelings of aloneness. Senior teachers report walking can be more insightful than sitting. Simple practices include saying "Just this," "Here," or "Now" with each step. Walking meditation can aid anxiety, trauma, and depression.
Read at Psychology Today
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