Heart Walks
This is both an advertisement and blog….
There’s something special about just setting everything else down and going for a walk. Not only is it one of the healthiest activities one can do for the body, I would even theorise that it is every bit as good for the mind and spirit too. A walk can move stagnant energy and settle activated energy. A walk can provide a simple tether back into the body. Add a few trees and me, and you’ve got yourself a Heart Walk.
My love for nature walks has grown over the years. It is special to me. John asked me to marry him on one of our nature walks. I love walking both trails I have the pleasure to walk daily and the ones that are a mystery at every turn. Each step provides a moment to be present to all that surrounds and all that is within me.
Years ago I trained in a modality called Breathwalk, and while I didn’t follow the path as a Breathwalk facilitator, I think it pointed to something that would come to fruition. For the past few years, I’ve been deep in the practice of conscious breathing, often known as breathwork. Now, I’m desiring to share my love of walking. Two distinct offerings, though easily combined, have seemingly been born from that foreshadowed moment. Beyond my love for it, there are perceptible benefits to this simple activity.
One of the coolest things that I know about walking is that it naturally induces bilateral stimulation. Basically, you are engaging both sides of the brain. It’s the same thing that is happening in EMDR. I recently read that trauma will often get stuck on one side of the brain, so the bilateral stimulation can activate both sides to help you fully process and integrate the traumatic memory. It also helps by reducing anxiety, improving emotional regulation, and decreasing reactivity to stressors.
I’m not a therapist. I don’t necessarily deal with trauma but I am a human with a compassionate heart and a slew of useful tools in my toolbox; because I too have much to process. I’m offering Heart Walks as both 1:1 and group experiences. You don’t need a group or guide for walking to be an effective tool for you. This is simply an offering for those who may like to verbally process, bend an ear, share a story and be heard. You choose how much if any response you get. This is your space from my heart to yours. Let’s walk.
