Chi Walking?

I like walking. I definitely derive positive effects from it. I’m mentally brighter and more upbeat. I have more energy too. I’ve developed a kind of slow jog as I listen to the music playlist on my phone. I usually start out with a song of moderate speed like Hold On For Me, by Marc Cohn or Back In the High Life Again by Steve Winwood. Then I accelerate to Castle On the Hill, by Ed Sheehan, Centerfield, by John Fogarty and Brown Eyed Girl, by Van Morrison.

Anyway, last fall I was jogging the paths at the recreation center in Cullowhee. A lot of people walk there. I’m going by this elderly lady and she says, “Are you chi walking?” I took my earbuds out and said, “Excuse me?” She repeated the question. I answered, “No, I never heard of it.” She smiled and said, “Oh, well I really admire the way you run.”

Uh, it’s not really running, it’s jogging - slow jogging. But thanks for the compliment! Chi walking? I googled it.

Chi walking emphasizes body alignment and mindfulness while strengthening the core muscles of the body. Some people actually use a metronome to keep a consistent cadence to their steps.

I don’t know if I’m Chi walking/running or not. Probably not. I don’t ever think about my core and I just jog to the beat of the music. But I do get into a rhythm and, with the sun on my face, it seems like I can go on forever.