Soles to Souls
by Bart Schoeneman, Ph.D.
Walking Connection Member Since 1996

There are many studies about what one can acomplish through one's feet. The journey of a thousand miles, a field goal in a football game, figure eights on ice, and the list goes on and on. There are also many ways of influencing the feet to aid the rest of the body. One need only look at the study of reflexology - the manipulation of the feet to assist the organs of the body. A pressure point here for this organ and another point there for another organ. Massage is a very pleasurable experience, which also provides comfort to the foot as well as the rest of the body.

It seems to me that if one could find the right shoes, not too tight so the toes can wiggle, that walking can provide a similar effect as massage or reflexology. Walking and the manipulation of the sole (including the toes) might become for the body what the soul might do for the mind. With the one we have the physical person and with the other we have the spiritual person. Two homophonic words - sole and soul - representing the best for the good of the whole person.

Walking provides an opportunity for the development of both the body and the soul. Many great thinkers were also walkers and it is often that we get our best thoughts while walking in the surroundings of nature or in the company of friends. We can also get the best exercise for our bodies. So lets keep walking!

Editor's Note: Bart and Gilda are long-time members of the Walking Connection. They have traveled extensively with us and have made may contributions to the organization, especially to our Children's Global Village Project.

RELEASE: Exercise is only one part of being healthy, seeing your doctor is another! If, at any time during a training session (whether it is a group session, individual personal training session, or self-training session), you suffer any mishap or injury, we urge you to stop your activity immediately and seek professional medical attention. The information contained on this site is intended to give information about personal health and fitness, not to act as a medical manual or guide to self-treatment. Keep in mind that exercise, health and nutritional needs vary from person to person, depending on age, gender, family medical history, current health status, and other individual factors . Before engaging in these, or any other exercise or recreational activities, we urge all individuals to consult a physician. He or she is most-qualified to advise each about your specific health status and needs. By participating in any Walking Connection walk, hike or event, now or in the future, I have and do hereby fully assume all risk of injury, property damage, emotional trauma and death, and it is my intention for me and my heirs, executors and administrators to waive any and all right and claims for damages I may have against Gene and Jo Ann Taylor, Taylor Marketing and Management, LLC., The Walking Connection and any individual associated with these walks, hikes or events, their representatives, successors, and assignees, and will hold them harmless for any and all injuries, mishaps and loss of property suffered in connection with my participation in these walks, hikes, events.