by Rachna Chopra
Did you know walking could be a form of yoga? Or rather, it can become one, if we alter the intent behind it, because all that truly differentiates an act of yoga from an ordinary act is the intent. When we walk in seeking, the steps that we take, transform into a yogic act. This is the principle behind the wanderings of sages and monks, who wander for different reasons, yet because at the base of this wandering lies a seeking, it is deemed a form of yoga. Nobody can truly wander without feeling uprooted from a common sense of belonging and comfort, and nobody can wander for long without acquiring a unique sense of belonging and comfort, gained by sacrifice of the known.

Arriving at this extraordinary state of everlasting comfort by leaping towards the unknown in each step is the great reward on this path, subjecting oneself vulnerably to an unexplored unexplained terrain at each step is the great penance, and walking in a mood of hatha or obstinacy to know the answers is the methodology. We too can practice this wandering yoga without having to leave our homes. Begin walking everyday in seeking and in pain, as though you would not stop till the doors are closed or until they open. Walk prayerfully, intent-fully, as though each step you take is unlocking your power. Start walking every single day at an assigned time no matter where you are. When you start walking, things start moving in your life. Events transpire faster. It is almost as though the combustion rate of your karma increases, and your karmic reservoir burns at an enormous speed. Walk in solitude, rid yourself of fear. Walk as though you will walk forever. Shed yourself each step, become lighter in weight and swifter in spirit. Finally, shed even what you seek. Let what you deserve find you.