Thoughts on practice

​Some thoughts on the practice of Mindful Walking, from his own experience, by Sifu John Hartley.


Though rooted in Taijiquan and age-old Taoist body-work philosophy and principles, It can be easy perhaps, due to the simplistic nature of our practice to underestimate the direct effects and potential the daily act of Mindful walking has in regards to our spiritual, mental, emotional and physical stability and health.

Mindful walking is about being present, focused and aware. It is the quietening of oneself. It begins by ‘turning the ear inwards’ and listening to the internal changes occurring within the body when both idle, and in motion. It is the appreciation and the cultivation of the simple and the near in the here and now, it is, reacquainting oneself with an old friend long hidden amidst the hustle and bustle of “modernity”.
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After having learned the physical parameters of Mindful walking and we begin to soften and relax into our practice, our posture, balance and blood-flow will improve. Ease of movement and joint-health will become noticeable, and our breath will become soft, deep and even and the mind will have a deepened sense of ease and calm.
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I do not know this from a teacher or from a book, a video or chasing after an ideal. I know this viscerally, through my own daily practice.
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John Hartley
Inner Health Taijiquan 2018.