Yogic Walking

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

17 Jun 2006 05:12 AM

When it comes to finding time to work out or attend a yoga class, many moms (especially those with young children or babies) roll their eyes and grin. They don't have time to have a quiet cup of coffee much less time for a class. There is something you can do that takes into account your need for time and your need for yoga.

What is Yogic Walking?

Yogic walking asks that you take a walk, striding in natural rhythm to your breathing. You don't have to pant in order for footsteps to hit the ground at speed. Instead, you take long, slow deep breaths and match your pace to those. By walking to the rhythm of your breathing, you are allowing yourself to calm the mind, achieve some mental clarity, relaxation and energy.

And at no point do you have to perform a down dog.

Yogic walking is great for moms with infants, because you can put baby in the stroller or in the baby snuggler and take them along. The walking is good for baby because it gives them something else to do and they can enjoy the relaxation of the stroller moving or your body doing it.

If you are doing your yogic walking outside, walk to a four count. Four steps for each breath and let your arms swing freely as you can. If you are pushing a stroller, you won't be swinging your arms and that's okay. By coordinating your arms and legs, you will be focusing your brain to work together. You don't have to achieve the 60% of your target heart rate in order to benefit from this form of walking.

When you have a little one who can walk, let them toddle along with you and match your pace to theirs, choose a route that takes you away from busy streets. Again, the focus is not on speed - it's on relaxation and mental clarity. Older kids also like to stroll as well, so if your 2 year old doesn't want to toddle, just set them in the stroller and let them enjoy the scenery while you let your mind relax.

If the weather isn't friendly or conducive to a trip in the great outdoors, chart a circuit or circular path in your house. Walk slowly, along your path and watch your feet. Focus on putting one foot in front of the other in perfect precision rolling from heel to toe. Walk slowly for about 10 minutes, breathing long, deep cleansing breaths. The more you slow down, the more relaxed your mind and body will be.

This is a great way to relieve stress and distract you from the pressure cooker of the day. When you have a mobile child in tow, challenge them to follow or lead and see who can walk the slowest. They will enjoy it for a few minutes before toddling off to play and letting you finish your routine.

The beauty of yogic walking is that you can enjoy the benefits of yoga without attending a class or making a trip to a gym. Yoga is more than just a series of stretches, it's about breathing and relaxing and mental clarity.

What do you do to relax and focus your mind?

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Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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