06/14/2025
Walking helps us process emotions. Our eyes move naturally in bilateral motions as we walk— going from right to left. This turns on the logical and emotional parts of our brain and helps us make sense of what we feel.
So many people say “feel your feelings.” And it’s true we do need to feel them. But think a better way to say this is: “walk your feelings.” When we’re sitting still, parts of our brains are inactive. Our amygdala (threat center) can go haywire. Walking turns down the amygdala’s volume.
If you’re having a difficult conversation, walk with that person as you talk. This is especially important for people with complex trauma. You’ll both be more regulated and logical. You’ll have more access to the natural compassion that always lives within you.
Walk and then notice how much calmer and at peace you feel. Your body knows what to do. If you can, listen to the birds or the wind in the trees. For thousands of years these sounds grounded your ancestors— they’ll ground you too
