How To Improve Your Health By Just Walking.
This simple habit can save your mind and your body.
Photo by Emrullah Karaca on Pexels
Walking is not just a means of transportation; it’s a transformative activity that can improve your health. When we take a step, our foot connects with the ground and then lifts off, creating a rhythm that syncs with our thoughts. It’s a fluid and harmonious motion that can profoundly impact our well-being.
Try It With Children
When you walk with children is a fantastic experience. It’s free, and it brings us closer to them. We can have conversations, and they get to feel the effort of movement. They can appreciate the beauty of nature or a bustling city and feel a sense of accomplishment when they reach a destination using their own legs. Walking with kids helps them believe in their own potential.
Or With A Friend
You can walk with a friend or partner; it is a beautiful way to connect on a deeper level. It’s a shared experience that harmonizes both body and soul. And when you walk alone, it becomes a journey of self-discovery. It’s a chance to listen to your thoughts and give your body the movement it craves. Walking alone can be a form of beneficial meditation.
Walking Through History
Many cultures have embraced walking as a form of meditation. Toltec Shamans in Mexico practice “attention walks,” where they consciously direct their gaze to shift their attention away from the constant flow of thoughts. Medieval pilgrimages were often made on foot, allowing pilgrims to enhance their spirituality and get closer to God. Zen Buddhism has turned walking into a form of meditation on the move.
Mind and Body
Walking is not just an exercise for the body; it’s an exercise for the mind as well. Each step changes something in the world and within us, as beautifully expressed by Italo Calvino. It’s an excellent aerobic activity that engages multiple muscles, and the best part is you don’t need to find extra time for the gym.
If you walk with awareness, you’ll notice how your movements feel, the relationship between your body and the environment, and the amazement that comes with it. Try dedicating 30-40 minutes a day to aimless walking, and you’ll feel your body loosen up and your mind present.
Feeling short on time?
Try organizing your daily routine to incorporate walking. Instead of using the car for errands, walk to your destinations. Take your children to school or their extracurricular activities on foot. Walking is particularly beneficial when we’re upset or angry, as it helps us find peace of mind. It calms our thoughts and worries, allowing us to overcome anxiety and discover serenity through mindfulness.
Meditation and Walking
Meditation while walking is a simple and effective way to care for ourselves. Here are a few steps to get started:
Take control of your time: It may be challenging, but reorganize your schedule to dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to walking. Put aside your phone, TV, and computer and prioritize this activity for yourself.
Embrace nature: Step out of your usual surroundings and find nature, even if it’s just a city park. Pay attention to each step, breathe in the fresh air, and be present in your surroundings. Take a moment to admire the beauty of a flower, a tree, or a bee at work.
Focus on your breath: As you walk, observe your breath. Notice how it enters and leaves your lungs, and feel its impact on your body. Recognize the connection between your breath and the rest of your body. This awareness is key.
Slow down: When practising walking meditation, avoid rushing. Instead, savour each step and experience the moment with all its sweetness. Slow down and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. It’s incredible what we can see when we take the time to look.
Embrace the present: Our minds often wander to the past or the future, bringing worries and distractions. But during walking meditation, let go of those thoughts and focus on the present moment—the only moment that truly matters.
Walking has the power to transform our lives, both physically and mentally. It’s a simple activity that can profoundly affect our health and well-being. So, put on your walking shoes, step outside, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and improved health.
Then go more in-depth and discover how you can enhance your health journey even further by incorporating a few supplements, for instance, the Marine Omega-3, into your routine. It’s a holistic product that can provide the essential nutrients your body needs to thrive. Walk your way to better health and embrace the wonders that come with it.
