What's a Great Exercise You Can Do Your Whole Life? Walk.
So I am a big fan of walking as a way to exercise, see nature, take care of the dog, and quiet the mind. QUIET THE MIND?? How can that happen on a walk or a hike? Well it's one of the greatest places to focus on being in your body out of your head. Maybe put the ear buds away for at least part of your walk/hike and just notice. Are you centered in your body? How are you walking? Is it relaxed and are you feeling the glide? I'm putting two videos on this newsletter today so you can play with these little tools while out on a stroll. Maybe you live in the city and don't run into a lot of hills walking so the glide means more to you. Or maybe you live where hiking is an option and going down a steep incline is something you experience on a regular basis. Either way, both videos will help you gain some understanding of how to center your body and enjoy/relax while walking. The more aware we are in our bodies, the less injuries occur. It's that simple. To gain this feel or awareness takes time and practice. Mindfulness is the term now used for the simple act of noticing what you are doing in the moment.
Definition of mindfulness:
A mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.It's important you don't make these new mindfulness tools into a "job" when walking or you will just wear yourself out. If you feel worn out using these tools from the videos you're thinking too much and trying too hard. Make small adjustments then see how you feel when walking. That's "listening" to the body.
Back in the 1990's
I started the McCall Method back in the 199's before Mindfulness was a mainstream idea. I've been teaching a form of mindfulness with the McCall Method for many years. As you relax more into the movements, you gain a sense of comfort because the body is naturally designed to be comfortable. Most people think comfort is just the absence of pain but this is far from the truth. There is an innate intelligence in the body to heal and feel well whether we are moving or at rest. Take care and enjoy a stroll today.