There is something very revealing about walking. Of all the ways we propel our bodies forward on this planet, walking appears to him to attach us most closely to the earth itself. In addition, there is rarely a hurry in walking, as most walk is at relatively the same pace, reducing competition often found while running, or anxiety often associated with taxis, plane flights, or bus rides.
He has read and heard that the most enjoyable gate to strive for is an amble (to walk slowly or leisurely; stroll). This gate allows for consistent movement, along with introspection, reflection, observation, and interaction the with surroundings. This seems awkward at first, as the tendency is to attempt to complete the walk as timely as possible. It’s just our modern way. But not necessarily the way.
No, this is certainly more Zen-like than we may be accustomed. After all, who has time for this anyway? He might argue the point that we should make time, but that simply forces the action into a schedule, diminishing the value considerably. He notices this same conflict when he catches himself counting steps, or marking time and distance, difficult to avoid, but distinguished clearly once overcome.
It seems there is such value in the repetition of mind and movement. The reoccurring empty thought, coupled with the graceful decision-free step. When the limits of the mind subside, it seems the boundless consciousness awakes, and the body agrees. Capability is far more than the anxious, fearful mind is accustomed to acknowledging.
He remembers hiking up a long deep canyon with his brothers and father, on a warm sun baked Texas afternoon. Upon finally returning to camp, shade and beer, the sons took ample time to wipe the sweat and calm the heart rate, and return to a normal state of being. He looked up at the “old man,” still standing with no noticeable change in his physical stature since before the hike.
He later learned that one of the symptoms of oncoming dementia is the minds shutting down of messages to the body. In essence, our bodies are capable of so much more, if we tune out the stress, and tune in our presence to this moment, and the next step forward.
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