As infants, it is a milestone when we take our first steps and become toddlers. After that, do we give very much thought over the years to how we walk?
As adults, many of us realize how a walk can clear our busy minds, and credit that to the benefits of exercise or getting outside. Wouldn’t it be great if we could make mind-clearing a part of every step of the day?
We could—by learning to walk mindfully. In mind/body practices, we learn to focus on the subtle transfer of weight. We shift so one leg becomes “full”—as if it was filled with more fluid. We then raise the “empty” leg and move it forward, placing the heel down first, then the ball of the foot. All of this is done while trying to keep the body as level as possible.
Done slowly, this practice takes a surprising amount of concentration. That’s a good thing. While we are focusing on the movement, our busy minds don’t become preoccupied with other things—what happened in the past, what might happen in the future. We are in the present moment.
Walking mindfully has many practical advantages. We’ve all gotten tired on walks, and particularly when facing an incline or steps, we begin to bend forward at the waist, slumping. That posture wears us out even more. If instead we focus on the weight shift side-to-side as we walk, it can seem much easier to climb a hill.
This mindful walking technique has many other benefits, from fall prevention as we age to help for professional athletes. A football player or martial artist finds great power by focusing on the weight transference with grounded feet.
Many faith traditions have a practice of mindful walking. Instead of just sitting for silent meditation or prayer, monastics walk slowly and mindfully. Whether walking alone or in a group, they learn to clear the mind and develop more peace and awareness.
You don’t need to go to a monastery to practice mindful walking. Just try taking the time to focus on left…right…heel…toe…forward…shift. It is a joy to find yourself more grounded physically and mentally, all with mindful walking.
Column #1 Published 3/11/24 https://www.yourgv.com