Walking can lead to good health physically, emotionally and mentally, even when walking on concrete (the earth is still beneath us, supporting us). Walking lets our body remember simpler times, when life was less complicated; it helps us slow down to the speed of our body and take time to integrate the natural rhythm of life. Instead of hopping into a car, and running from place to place or calculating how much we can fit into our day, walking allows us to exist in the moment.
Each step we take can lead us to becoming more mindful of ourselves, our breath and our feelings. When we become more mindful we gradually increase our awareness of both the environment around us and within us. We may begin to recognize that our thoughts and feelings are not always related to the present moment. That stress and anxiety may be building with thoughts of the past or the future. By walking and practicing breathing mindfully we gain a sense of calm and tranquility – the “issues” of the day slowly fade away because we are in the here and now.
adapted from ‘The New Book of the Art of Living” by Wilferd A. Peterson
“The Art of Walking”
adapted from ‘The New Book of the Art of Living” by Wilferd A. Peterson
Walking exercises the whole being.
- It exercises the body. It gives the arms and legs a work-out. It stimulates circulation (micro and macro). It increases the flow of blood and it expands the lungs which helps the immune system. And it is gentle and relaxing.
- Walking exercises the mind.
- It shakes up the brain cells. It fills them with oxygen; drives out the cobwebs. Many people say they do their best thinking while walking.
- Walking exercises the emotions.
- It gives you a chance to observe and enjoy the world. Open your eyes to beauty. See the homes, the trees, the gardens. See the shining faces of little children. Listen for the wind, singing birds and the laughter of happy people.
- Walking uplifts the spirit.
- Breathe out the poisons of tension, stress and worry; breathe in the power of life, and of spirit. Send forth little silent prayers of good will towards those you meet.
- Walk at all times of day.
- In the early morning when the world is just waking up… late at night under the stars… along a busy street at noontime.
- Walk in all kinds of weather.
- Experience the glory of the earth coming back to life in springtime… the warming rays of the sun in summer… the zest of October’s bright – blue weather… the rugged desolation of winter. Walk in the rain and in a blizzard.
- Walk alone mostly, but if with a companion, choose one who knows the secret of quietness.
- Walk for fun and adventure, for health and inspiration.
- And when you go for a walk remember these words by Elbert Hubbard; “Carry your chin in and the crown of your head high.”
One last gift (can you tell I’m passionate about walking?)
A Traditional Navajo Prayer – “As I Walk with Beauty”
As I walk… as I walk… the Universe is walking with me.
In beauty it walks before me
In beauty it walks behind me
In beauty it walks below me
In beauty it walks above me.
Beauty is on every side.
As I walk, I walk with Beauty.