One of the things I appreciate the most about Yoga & Ayurveda is how over the millennia they have found a way to keep things simple. Every lineage I’ve ever studied under, and the Ayurvedic tradition is no different, talks about the benefits of walking everyday – outside when we can.

Our bodies are designed as “movement machines”, says exercise specialist Peter Egoscue. Our circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, muscular, skeletal and reproductive systems benefit greatly from walking – it’s what we are designed for and so the function of our entire physiology is improved.

On a more subtle level breathing in fresh air increases our prana intake (vital life energy), and is a great ‘sattva boosting’ practice – which  means bringing the mind back to its natural state of balance, clarity and understanding. Now that spring is finally here, we are transitioning from the long cold dry season of Vata, to the heavy, dense, watery season of Kapha. Kapha needs movement, warmth, and rhythm in order to find balance – walking provides all of these elements.

Swami Rama recommended walking 100 steps after every meal to aid in digestion. Mahatma Gandhi walked everywhere all the time. I try to walk for at least 15 minutes a day, 30 minutes when I have time. I also will break it up into smaller walks to fit it in. I like to take in the sights – the photo is of a tree in my own neighbourhood. It is a privilege to observe nature in her process of growth and bloom.

Happy trails everyone – enjoy taking your movement machine out for a spin!

 

Mona is an ERYT500 and CYA-E-RYT500 Certified Teacher, as well as YTT faculty and the founder of Janati Yoga School.

 

Namaste! My name is Mona and I am a teacher. I’ve spent my whole life teaching, and now I teach Yoga & Ayurveda.
If you are interested in Yoga & Ayurveda (it has to be both… they are inseparable for me now), and you want to study with me, I’d love to have you 🙂   In order to enjoy spending time with me, you have to like laughing too. Note – you’ll be expected to work hard and bring all you’ve got to the table, yet we’ll have a lot of fun doing it!