I recently learned I walk incorrectly. Apparently it is not
uncommon for us as adults to learn bad habits in walking, standing, and other
common motions. My poor form was brought to my attention by our good
friend Kelsey (who is amazing), who has a newly earned doctorate of physical
therapy degree (so she is amazing, smart, and hardworking. She also is very
humble which why I like bragging about her).
From Dr. Kelsey I learned my walking stride is amiss; I plant a
foot, rock back on it, and let my knee lock before taking the next step. I'm
told this is bad for knees (who needs those?).
To make things worse I am especially prone to this poor form when
walking fast, and unfortunately I enjoy walking fast. In my family we
commonly refer to speed walking as "Disneyland mode" because on
family vacations you want to be first in line for Space Mountain.
Now I'm trying to walk slower and with proper form, which takes
more time. No longer can I focus my attention solely on the speed of my
walking and on reaching my destination, but now have to consider my form and
the methods I use to reach it.
I have found this mirrors other aspects of
my life and faith. One example is how I live within our time oriented society. A strong symptom of living in a minute conscious culture is a drive for efficiency. We are so focused on productivity,
goal completion, and performance we neglect to consider what means we will
employ to achieve this end. I can pack
my day full of tasks to do, maximize my accomplishments, down-size my
"wasted" time, and burn myself out in the process. These advantages and disadvantages are all within the realm of the short-term; the long-term effects only compound over time.
Incorporating this consideration of both method and objective, requires rethinking my schedule and how I schedule. It prevents me from cramming as much into a work day. Proper health in my daily work necessitates allowing time to walk slower with proper form: physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. By taking the time to contemplate means and ends, and then to choose the more holistic approach, I have the immediate loss of
productivity, but I have the long-term benefit of not wearing out my knees and
soul over time.
So where are we rushing through life too busy and too focused on achievement to consider the affects of our chosen methods? Because of our time oriented culture I find I have to repeatedly consider the balance between my form and goals. I am also glad to have wise people and a loving God to help me and remind me how best to walk through life.
Thanks Dr. K and Jesus
