What: Moving meditation allows you to turn any form of conscious movement into a sacred body prayer. Some people use the practice to express themselves and experience the present moment, while others set an intention to communicate or connect with nature or the divine.

Examples: Spiritually inspired martial arts such as tai chi and qigong; vinyasa and other types of meditative yoga; walking meditation; and dancing meditation.

Benefits: A variety of studies have been conducted on the benefits of moving meditation practices. For example, a study of healthy seniors in Shanghai suggested that tai chi increases brain size, boosts memory, and may delay dementia. Studies have also shown practicing yoga offers a number of benefits, including boosting immunity and sexual performance, easing migraines, and helping with insomnia.

Keywords: active, graceful, body-based

Try this: Sign up for a tai chi, qigong, or yoga class. Or if you already practice one of these art forms, simply set an intention to turn your next session into a moving meditation. Find a quiet space that’s free from distractions, put on some inspiring music if you'd like, and focus on the pleasure and sensation of every movement in your sequence.

Try this sample qigong exercise with Robert Peng.