Walking makes us healthier in Body and spirit

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“All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.”

Friedrich Nietzsche

We all know that walking is good for our bodies, but did you know that walking can also be a mindful meditation? I delved a little deeper into the actual health benefits of walking and I also researched how to do a walking meditation. Here is what I found:

How Walking Can Change Your Life

Health Benefits:

  • Extend your life
  • Improve mood
  • Boost energy
  • Lower blood sugar
  • Strengthen heart
  • Burn calories
  • Boost immunity

According to NYTimes.com, “brisk walking is good for the aging brain. Older people with mild cognitive impairment showed improvements in brain flow and memory after a year long walking aerobic program.”

With age, people have a decline in the flow of blood to their brains. Walking increases blood flow even when you are not moving. Regular brisk walking increases the healthy flow of blood to our brains.

It is better to walk at a fast pace. It puts you into the moderate intensity zone, which has a lot more health benefits than walking slower. You should walk briskly for 30 minutes per day five or more days per week. A pedometer or a Fitbit type watch that tracks your steps has been shown to motivate people to walk more steps. 10,000 steps 4-5 days per week is a good goal!

Walking as a Mindful Meditation:

In addition to the physical benefits of walking, it also has mental and spiritual benefits as well:

  • Helps you find peace
  • Gain a different perspective
  • Makes you worry less

There are actually apps that have guided meditations for walking. They are great for reducing stress and increasing positivity. My Life, Headspace, Calm and Ten Percent Happier are just a few of the apps that offer guided walking meditations.

Walking meditations have their origins in Buddhism. They allow for a different awareness of your surroundings, body and thoughts. Where walking for our physical bodies requires a brisk walk, mindful walking is a slower more methodical walk.

More Benefits:

  • Inspires creativity
  • Enhances balance
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Improves well being
  • Alleviates depression
  • Improves blood sugar levels
  • Reduces anxiety

What does mindfulness mean exactly? To be aware of what is going on inside us and around us. Awareness of our body, emotions and thoughts in the present moment.

When doing a walking meditation you move without a goal and are aware of each step and breath. It can be practiced anywhere, in nature or on a crowded city street.

According to Gaiam.com, “clarity comes from mindfulness. We can always return to our true home, the present moment. When we practice mindfulness, we become a peaceful refuge for ourselves and others.”

“Walking on this planet is a joy. Mindful walking allows us to be aware of the pleasure of walking. We can keep our steps slow, relaxed and calm. There is no rush, no place to get to, no hurry. Mindful walking can release our sorrows and our worries and bring peace into our mind and body.”

Gaiam.com

Mindfulness takes us away from our everyday problems. It helps us to not worry about the present, regret the past, or worry about the future. It puts us right smack dab in the present moment, which is where we can see all the beautiful things right in front of us. The present moment is where we will find peace.

I have really been working on mindfulness and staying in the present moment. I realized recently, that I was always rushing through what I was doing to get it done, so I could get on to the next thing. I often felt scattered and not at peace. Since this realization, I have been trying to concentrate on what I am doing in the present moment and not think about what is going to come next. I have found that doing this gives me more peace and I am happier overall. I am going to add walking meditation to my mindfulness practice. I hope that this blog has given you some helpful information for your mental and physical health journey!

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