MARTIAN WALKING MEDITATION
by contemplativeinquiry
I’m still walking around in circles. But since I wrote about it a week ago, the way I do it has changed. I’ve lightened, lost density, slowed down.
And with those changes I’m shedding solemnity. (I’ve never valued solemnity in spiritual practice, yet in truth I have sometimes been solemn.) My arms have freed themselves to move and engage and explore. I’m discovering myself as softer and more playful in the room. My attention has improved and shifted into the act of moving through the air around me. I am much more aware of being held in my energy body. And I really like it.
Why Martian? It’s the sense of reduced gravity. I first thought of Lunar – but that’s too far in the other direction. So, Martian.
This change was spontaneous and body led. But I believe I owe it to the contemplative inquiry I’m doing. When I wrote my first walking round in circles post, I was letting go of old Buddhist teaching and moving into a place of inner authority. My writing let me identify and put down what is now a burden, and freed me for another experience. And I’ve also realized more fully that contemplative inquiry as I understand the term is mostly about opening creative spaces for integrated and embodied knowing.
The inquiry continues.
contemplativeinquiry 
Since a couple of days I walk a lemniscate. One morning it was obvious this is what I have to do. Until now and for years it was a simple straight line, turn and walk. Today’s practice is mostly about concentrating, keeping my balance in the rounding to turn and continue, till I can sense the lemniscate from the inside out and open up to a new layer of meaning.
Reading my way ‘up’ in your writing is rewarding, albeit proceeding slow. I find myself reflecting on your posts even longer than I expected. I also have started wondering if you would mind if I left a reply? Please feel free to delete this, I will understand.
Many thanks for your comment Cath. You are very welcome to make them. You seem to have responded to a strong intuition about what pattern to walk in, and you have chosen a powerful one. I wish you well with your meditation.