The Practice of Walking

During the early days of the pandemic, I started walking. Initially, it was a way to get out of the house and experience a change of scenery, fresh air, and the company of others outside of my family, all of which helped ease the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic. Regardless of the weather or time of day, I would put on my shoes and head out for a walk. As time went by, and my steps accumulated, I began to notice things.

I discovered that I craved the rhythmic movement of walking, which was different from any other form of exercise I had done before. I started to incorporate my body awareness and somatic practice into walking. I paid attention to how my pelvis moved, the way my foot struck the ground, how I held my head, and how I breathed. I also noticed how I felt tension in my back on some days, and how my hips swayed from side to side when I had more awareness and time available. My walking was evolving into a movement practice that not only got me moving, but also provided me with a sense of awareness, reflection, and space to simply be. I always felt clearer in my mind after my walks. All of this fascinated me.

This led me to consider what makes a movement practice. While this might vary for different people, I have come up with the following list for myself:

1. A "space" that allows me to focus on the sensations in my body.
2. It changes every day, depending on how I feel, the weather, what's happening in my life, and how I feel when I start.
3. A "space" that allows my nervous system to adapt and change.
4. Something that I make a point of doing every day, even when it's challenging to get started.
5. I always feel better in some way after I've done it.
6. I often have some kind of "aha" moment, even if it's small.

Do you have a movement practice that serves you? What would you add to this list?

This month's somatic workshop focuses on free and easy walking and is inspired by the things I've learned from my own walking practice. I invite you to join me!