A connection between movement, energy, and consciousness
Walking is not just about moving the body. It is also about mobilizing energies. Human beings don’t just move on the earth; when we walk, we activate a complex system of internal vibrations, emotions, thoughts, and energy flows. Among these systems, the Chakras (Chacras) stand out: subtle energy centers distributed throughout the body, which play an essential role in our physical, mental and spiritual balance.
We’ve already linked this system to WALK-RWD in previous posts: LISTENING TO OUR BODY WHILE WALKING; THE SYMMETRY OF THE BODY, ITS BALANCE AND WALKING), but now let’s take a closer look at them.
What are chakras?
The word chakra comes from Sanskrit and means “wheel” or “disc.” It refers to energy centers that spin like whirlpools, distributing vital energy (prana) throughout the body. Although there are many minor chakras, traditionally seven major chakras are recognized, aligned from the base of the spine to the crown (center of the head).
Each of these is linked to specific areas of the body, physiological functions, emotions, colors, and sounds. When these centers are open and balanced, the flow of energy is harmonious. When one becomes blocked or out of balance, physical symptoms or emotional imbalances may appear.
Walking as an Energy Activation
Walking is one of the simplest and most profound forms of moving meditation. What many don’t know is that walking can become a powerful tool for activating, harmonizing, and connecting the chakras. Every step, every conscious breath, can resonate with these energy centers, mobilizing energy from the earth upward and from the mind to the body.
Below, we will present how the WALK-RWD system, and specifically walking, can influence each of the seven chakras:
1. Root Chakra (Muladhara) – Red
Location: Base of the spine
Related to: Safety, survival, connection to the earth
Walking barefoot (Post WALKING BAREFOOT. PART I. Types of soil; Future Post – WHY WALK BAREFOOT? PART II), feeling the weight of your body on your feet, and stepping firmly with each step activates this chakra. It is your first contact with reality and anchors you in the present.
2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) – Orange
Location: Lower abdomen
Related to: Emotions, pleasure, creativity
The rhythmic movement of your pelvis while walking stimulates this chakra. Walking fluidly, without tension, allows you to release retained emotions and open the creative flow (Posts EMOTIONS AND THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM; THE POWER OF EMOTIONS; AUTOLIBERATION OF NEGATIVE EMOTIONS THROUGH SELF-SUGGESTIBILITY; FIGHTING NEGATIVE EMOTIONS WITH THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM, SOLUTION TO PROCRASTINATION).
3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) – Yellow
Location: Upper abdomen
Related to: Willpower, personal power, self-esteem
A brisk and determined walk activates this center. Walking confidently, with an open chest and forward gaze, reinforces a sense of purpose and autonomy (Post THE SYSTEM IS MOTIVATIONAL BY ITSELF; Future Post SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM IN THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM).
4. Heart Chakra (Anahata) – Green
Location: Center of the chest
Related to: Love, compassion, connection
Calm and serene walking, accompanied by deep breathing, allows this chakra to expand. Walking in nature or with a loved one enhances its vibration (Post ENJOYING OUR PERCUSIVE-BODY-RHYTHM MUSICAL WALK; RHYTHM, COMPASS AND CADENCE IN OUR WALK).
5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) – Color: Blue
Location: Throat
Related to: Communication, expression, authenticity
Walking in silence to listen to the sounds of your surroundings or practicing positive affirmations while walking can open this center. It is the connection between thought and word (Posts WALKING AND READING ALOUD; WALKING AND SPEAKING ALOUD: A THEORY FOR MENTAL REBALANCING; Future Post WALKING WHILE READING POETRY ALOUD).
6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) – Indigo
Location: Center of the forehead
Related to: Intuition, inner vision, wisdom
Walking in a contemplative state, without judgment, carefully observing the environment, activates this chakra. It is the gateway to deep perception and symbolic understanding (Future Posts WALKING, INTUITION, AND IMAGINATION; INTUITION EXERCISES, TAKING A WALKING).
7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) – Violet or white color
Location: Top of the head
Related to: Spiritual connection, expanded consciousness
A meditative or silent walk can harmonize this chakra. It can also be activated by walking at dawn or dusk, when the skies invite transcendence (Posts HARMONY OF BODY WITH MIND; ADDITIONAL BENEFITS IN CONDITIONING BODY AND MIND; Future Post WALKING: A MOTOR OF THE SOUL AND SPIRIT; MINDFULNESS AND WALKING, A PERFECT SYNERGY, PART 1 OF 3).
Walking as Balance and Total Alignment
Walking consciously can become a holistic energetic practice. It harmonizes not only the physical body, but also the mind and spirit. The chakras are not activated separately; when walking, the entire body vibrates, and that vibration travels through the entire energetic axis.
Walking in harmony with our chakras is, in essence, walking in balance with ourselves and with the universe.
“Each step can be a silent prayer, an invocation of balance, an invisible dance of the energetic centers that dwell within us.”
There is a direct connection between the chakras and the lower extremities and feet, that is, with walking. Let’s see how this physical-soul-energetic relationship works:
1. Root Chakra (Muladhara) and the Feet: Direct Connection
The root chakra, located at the base of the spine, is closely related to grounding, security, stability, and basic needs. Although it is not located in the feet, its energy is projected downwards, through the legs and reaches the soles of the feet (Posts WALKING WITH THE TREES; EMPIRICISM OR THINKING WITH OUR FEET).
Physically, the feet:
• Are the base of the body and our point of contact with the ground.
• Are involved in postural balance and perception of the environment (through nerve endings).
• Activate the proprioceptive system (body awareness).
Mentally and energetically, the feet:
• Function as symbolic “roots” that anchor us to the present and reality.
• When we walk, we generate rhythmic stimulation that can help balance the root chakra.
• Are used in many walking meditation practices and grounding techniques, where walking barefoot absorbs energy from the earth and releases emotional tension.
2. Minor Chakras in the Feet
In addition to the seven main chakras, various traditions (such as Hindu, Tibetan, and Chinese) recognize minor chakras on the soles of the feet, known as “foot chakras” or “grounding points.” These chakras:
• Are located in the center of the sole of the foot, in the arch.
• Are centers of entry and exit of Earth energy (prana or chi).
• Allow us to discharge negative or dense energies and absorb renewing energies.
These minor chakras are essential in energy healing techniques, such as reiki, tai chi, qigong, and certain forms of yoga.
For this reason, we have recommended walking barefoot (Post WALKING BAREFOOT. PART I. Soil Types; Future Post WHY WALK BAREFOOT? PART II).
3. Mental and Emotional Relationship: Feet as a Symbol of Progress and Blockages
In bodily and symbolic psychology, the feet also represent:
• The personal path (where you’re going).
• The will to move forward or, in cases of blockages, the fear of taking important steps (Post # 186-509 – THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM AND PHOBIAS).
• Disorders or tensions in the feet can sometimes reflect existential insecurities, anxiety, or a lack of direction (Future Posts WALKING AND THE MEANING OF LIVING WITHOUT FEAR; THE FEAR OF LONELINESS AND THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM; THE FEAR OF FREEDOM AND THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM).
The feet have a clear and functional relationship with the chakras, especially with the root chakra and the minor chakras that connect directly to the energy of the earth. Walking consciously and barefoot, practicing coordinated breathing while walking, or simply feeling the contact of your feet with the ground are real ways to activate and harmonize this energetic system from both the physical and mental levels.
WALKING FROM THE FEET: ROOTS OF THE CHAKRAS AND BODY CARE
When we walk, we not only mobilize our physical body, we also deeply activate our energetic roots. The feet, in this sense, fulfill an essential function: they are the point of contact between the human body and the Earth. From an energetic perspective, the feet channel the vibration of the root chakra (Muladhara), allowing us to connect with stability, inner balance, and existential security (Posts ENJOYING OUR PERCUSIVE MUSICAL WALK – BODY – RHYTHM; RHYTHM, COMPASS AND CADENCE IN OUR WALK).
In ancient traditions, as already mentioned, minor chakras are recognized on the sole of each foot, which act as energy portals. These points absorb and release subtle energy, facilitating emotional cleansing and grounding. Therefore, walking consciously (Post MINDFULNESS AND WALKING, A PERFECT SYNERGY PART 1 OF 3), especially barefoot on earth, sand or grass, strengthens this deep connection between body, mind and vital energy (Posts WALKING BAREFOOT. PART I; Future Post WHY WALK BAREFOOT? PART II).
Just as we take care of our thoughts and emotions, we must also take care of our bodies, and especially our feet, which carry our history and guide us toward our destiny. Some simple recommendations:
• Walk daily, even if only for a few minutes, paying attention to your step, your breathing and your surroundings.
• Massage your feet with natural oils (lavender, mint or eucalyptus) to release accumulated tension.
• Exercise them consciously, stretching your toes, rolling your ankles and strengthening the soles of your feet.
• Walk barefoot whenever possible, as a way to reestablish the natural connection with the earth and recharge your energy.
Our feet are not just functional limbs: they are sensors, roots and transmitters. Learning to listen to them opens a direct channel to our own inner harmony.
EPILOGUE
Walking is not just about moving;
it is about aligning the body with energy,
it is about honoring the feet that support us,
and awakening, step by step,
the consciousness that dwells in each chakra.
Walking is praying with the body,
it is remembering that we are alive,
and that every footprint we leave on Earth
is also a footprint on the soul.
Let’s start walking, becoming aware of our 7 chakras, and see where they lead us.