Walking

In the beginning, before cars and roads inhabited the earth’s surface, humans were always walking. Most people have been walking since they were toddlers and walk everyday. However, few people pay attention to each step. There are ways to turn the simple task of walking into a powerful exercise. Walking barefoot on soil is ideal, but not always possible. Cement is very hard on the joints, even asphalt is better. But if you must walk on cement, it is better to wear shoes that give you a little padding. Make sure your shoes fit perfectly, so that you can forget that they are on. If you do not have comfortable shoes it is better not to wear shoes at all.

Above all, you must pay attention to how you take each step. Chinese martial artists have been examining the best way to walk for centuries. They have discovered that there are three major points to note. The first is the heel that acts like an anchor, and which should not have pressure put upon it. The heel holds your body in place, connects your energy to the earth, and is a pivoting point to use in the act of retreating. The second point is the ball of the foot, which is located in the center of the padded part of the foot, between the toes and the arch. It has been given the name, the “bubbling-well” point. Balance your weight on this part of your foot, as your foots rolls over the ground. The third part of your foot is the tip of your big toe. This is your guide and pivot point. You should always have your toes pointed in the direction you are going. Also, while your foot is in the air, focus your energy on letting your toe guide you. Furthermore, there are other books which mark the three points on the foot at the heel and on both sides of the ball of the foot. In the Chinese theory the two points on the sides of the feet are combined or centered in the “bubbling-well” and the third point on the toe is recognized. It may be easier for you to imagine five points, the heel, both sides of the ball of the foot, the bubbling-well point, and the toe, but I find this excessively complex.

Often people who walk on cement have knee pain. The knees can take very little impact. They are joints that allow your leg to move. If you let your heel feel impact then the force goes directly into your knee. Also, locking your knees while walking on cement is not recommended. Let your weight drop through your knees. Hold your body up with your calves and thighs, for these parts are filled with muscle.

While walking, it is important to keep your back straight, relaxed, and in its natural “s” shape. Your lower back is susceptible to pain if you are not careful to let the force from the ground bounce off of your body or flow through you. Do not let the impact affect your back. Focus on the impact of your feet hitting the ground and do not absorb it. Instead let the impact bounce your body back up. If you pay close attention to the energy of walking you will discover that you can walk in such a way that you will feel like you are floating rather than beating the ground.

Also, hold your head high, as if there were a string connecting your crown chakra with the sky. Allow the energy of the universe to pour through you. Let your third eye chakra pull you along as if you were hooked by a fish hook and being reeled along. Feel your heart chakra and allow it to flow on universal love. Your lower chakras should be open, but grounded. Connect to the earth energy and allow its power to give you strength and momentum.

Breathing is a profound notion in any exercise. Your breath is important. It should be deep, rhythmic, and full. Breathe in as much air as possible and exhale all the stale air in your lungs with each breath. Keep your attention on your breath and let your mind be clear. This will allow your body to have a better supply of oxygen and give your mind a chance to rest. It can also help you feel better and more connected to higher powers. Studying breathing techniques is highly recommended.

Prayer walking is a way to get exercise and connect to higher powers. You should practice prayer walk when you do not have to be in a hurry. Keep a prayer, word, mantra, idea, or picture in your mind. You do not have to focus this prayer anywhere and it does not have to be concrete or complex. Simpler is better. Then, let all other thoughts and worries fall away, leave them with your foot prints. Let your prayer also lace your foot print, dance on your breath, and beam from your heart.

“Walking meditation can be a potent portal to the here and now,” write Ila and Garrett Sarley in their book Walking Yoga (2002). When using walking as a yogic practice, you get “absorbed in the moment” and in this state you can experience life in a new light. With every step you can rejuvenate your spirit and body while calming your emotions and mind.

 

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