EXERCISE 15 : The Walking Breath

Of course, breathing accompanies our every action and is not something confined to our being still. Walking is a great way to relieve stress. But very often, in the stressed state, we take little notice of our breathing. Here is a fun way of taking notice of our breath and then introducing a rhythm to the simple but beneficial activity of walking.

EXERCISE 15

The Walking Breath

The exercise 15 is best practised outdoors, preferably away from traffic, but you could run through it indoors first.

• Get used to walking at a relaxed pace and notice the way you are breathing. Next try walking at different speeds and in different ways. What happens to your breathing?

• Now introduce a breathing rhythm to your favourite way of relaxed walking. Inhale to a count of four. 1, 2, 3, 4. Hold for a count of two, 1, 2. Exhale for a count of six. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Hold for a count of two, 1, 2.  Inhale again for a count of four. 1, 2, 3, 4. And so on. ( Inhale 4- Hold 2- Exhale 6- Hold 2)

• When you feel used to this simple rhythm, inhale to a count of four, hold for a count of two, and exhale to a count of eight. Check that your breathing rhythm and your walking rhythm are in harmony with each other.


The Walking Breath reminds you how you can enjoy the simple pleasure of walking. Once your breathing rhythm and walking rhythm are in harmony you can forget them and become aware of your surroundings, the way the commonplace may now reveal fascinating details that you never really noticed before. Establishing your link with the Breath of Unity in this way opens your awareness to the energies of your surroundings. You are open to feel your surroundings and feel how your body is positively adjusting to the absence of stress. 

The next EXERCISE 16 helps counter the effects of negative news and attitudes on your subtle energy system. Click Here to continue.