Omar Lara’s Blog – Building a Walking Practice

Since the beginning of our class I tried to create ways of walking that would allow me put in practice different walking-styles. As an example I wanted to create styles where I could reduce stress, and help me to engage myself with meditation. I wanted to find ways of walking I never tried before, after sometime I finally got some ideas. It took me no time deciding which style I was going to try, and my idea is as follows:

     The idea implies using a dice with only three numbers on it, those numbers are: 1, 3 and 5.

The dice will be used in this way: After rolling the dice if result is number “1” I will walk to the left, if result is number “3” I will walk straight, and if result is number “5” I will walk to the right. 

By walking this way, I was able to realize what it feels to walk without knowing where I was going. I found it relaxing, because I was in no hurry to be somewhere, and I was going somewhere without needing to be there. After walking this way I did experience a different sensation compared with regular walking; honestly I don’t enjoy regular walking anymore.

After all I was able to realize how helpful is to walk and relax at the same time, not just because this simple practice is the most natural way our body can eliminate stress, but at the same time integrates movement and awareness.  This is why I focused my research in how beneficial is walking for relaxation. 

Some pictures along the way…. What a priceless experience! 

 

Along the way to Mt. Hood I was able to realize that one store has my name . . . how cool is that!

Thanks a lot Eric and Harrell !!