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Walking Meditation is a valid form of meditation, although not practiced as often as the more commonly practiced sitting zazen (sitting meditation).

Sources:

Hạnh, Nhất. The Long Road Turns to Joy: a Guide to Walking Meditation. Parallax Press, 2011.

Nagai, Takako, and Akihiro Okawa. “Risk Factors Affecting Postoperative Walking Ability Following Hip Fracture Surgery in the Elderly.” Orthopedic & Muscular System, vol. 05, no. 02, 2016, doi:10.4172/2161-0533.1000209.

Effects of Buddhism Walking Meditation on Depression, Functional Fitness, and Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Depressed Elderly

-walking meditation exercises focus on improving mind/body interactions

-study shows that mindfulness while walking decreases depression (define according to study), bone development(osteoclasts), and cortisol(stress) compared to just walking exercise

EFFICACY OF TAI CHI, BRISK WALKING, MEDITATION, AND

READING IN REDUCING MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS

-medical tests confirm that Thai Chi (although not exactly walking meditation) is effective in reducing stress (lower salivary cortisol levels and urinary catecholamines)

Health Benefits

Studies on the elderly, type 2 diabetes patients, and nursing students alike demonstrate wide health benefits. Although more research is required, there are numerous health benefits to walking meditation. One common connection is a reduction/regulation of cortisol in the blood, which is the bodies primary stress indicating hormone. While the body and mind are working harder, stress regulating factors decrease. One study of elderly women practicing kinhin suggests mindful walking.