#15. Finding Zen in Motion: The Power of Active Meditation

Dear Friend

Despite my former karate training, I’ve never been able to sit still for long in traditional zazen meditation, despite the best efforts of the sensei. Sitting in one place for extended periods doesn’t resonate with me. Instead, I’ve found peace in movement, specifically through long walks in the forest.

Active meditation isn’t a new concept; it’s been practiced for centuries by various cultures.

My inspiration came from my studies in Cultural Anthropology, particularly the Monks of Mount Hiei in Japan.

These Tendai monks, known as the "Marathon Monks," engage in kaihōgyō 回峰行 (circling the mountain), a challenging practice that involves walking great distances over long periods (for example, 84km per day for 100 days) in rice straw sandals.

I would like to dedicate this article to them as they are amazing.

Their physical and deep spiritual journey emphasizes the connection between movement and mindfulness.
It is also related to Fudō Myōō (不動明王), the one who cuts through delusions. The Buddhist temple I attended in Okinawa, Japan, was dedicated to the same fierce Bodhhisatva.

Stepping into the forest, the trail ahead of me is not just a path but a gateway to another realm. As I walk, I focus on my breath, the texture, and the smell of often wet Pacific Northwest moss and ferns, which are very similar to those of mountains in Japan. Even the trails I frequent on Tiger Mountain hold a special connection for me. They remind me of the tiger in the Shotokan karate emblem and the evergreens that the founder, Master Gichin Funakoshi, loved so much.

Each step is a repetitive mantra, each breath a moment of reflection.

As a Marine, I also found an equivalent in the string of knots made of 550 cord, which we used, similar to Buddhist beads, a type of rosary. Much like each bead, each knot represents the distance traveled — the number of paces or prayers and serves as a point of focus, a reminder of discipline, and a tool for mindfulness.

Walking daily, usually about three miles in the forest, allows me to disconnect from the chaos of daily life. It’s a time to let my thoughts flow freely and find solutions to problems.

I wouldn't be a proper Zen Buddhist if I did not mention that our all-time favorite trail is the "Poo-Poo" trail. Yes, there is time to get lofty, but there are dog shit bags on the side of the trail, too. Both can be equally enlightening, though they may not be equally enjoyable. Let me know if you want to learn how Zen monks use contrast to break mental barriers and stereotypes.

As I walk, I notice the way the sunlight filters through the leaves, especially after the rain, and enjoy the scent of cypress trees in the air.

Sometimes, I sit on the trunk of a fallen tree, where the sun comes over through the canopy. These are my happy moments of reflection.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed or need a mental reset, consider walking. Embrace the journey, not the destination. Remember, meditation is not about how you sit; it’s about how you find your center, and for some of us, that center is found in motion.

Respectfully,

Uki D. Lucas
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7197456811107520512/

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