"Sit down, close your eyes, and stay still." For many people, this is torture, not meditation. If you're one of those people, active meditation might be the gateway.
What It Is
Active meditation involves conscious movement — walking, dancing, intense breathing exercises — followed by silence. The idea is that the body needs to discharge energy before the mind can quiet down.
Types of Active Meditation
Meditative walking — walking slowly, feeling each step Movement meditation — tai chi, qi gong Cathartic meditations — like Osho's (intense movement followed by silence) Yoga as meditation — āsanas practiced with mindfulness
Who It's For
Very restless people who can't sit still Those with a lot of repressed physical energy As an alternative on days when sitting seems impossible As preparation for seated meditation
The Principle
The body is like a pressure cooker. If there's accumulated steam, it needs to be released before opening. Active meditation releases the steam. Afterward, sitting in silence happens naturally.
The Natural Evolution
Use active meditation as a bridge. The goal is to develop the ability to sit in silence — because it's in silence that the deepest work happens.
Over time, the need for movement before meditation decreases. The mind learns to quiet down without the intermediate step.
Learn the basics of seated meditation when you're ready.
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