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Walking Your Blues Away: How to Heal the Mind and Create Emotional Well-Being
A new approach to using walking to heal emotional trauma and bring forth optimal mental functioning
• Explores why and how we carry emotional wounds, and how they can be healed and resolved
• Shows how walking stimulates both sides of the brain to promote and restore mental health
• Provides simple, yet potent, mental exercises to use while walking
Our bodies usually heal rapidly from an illness, injury, or wound. Yet our minds and hearts often suffer for years with debilitating symptoms of distress or upset. Why is it so hard for our minds and hearts to heal? The key to healing them is simple and can be just a short walk away.
Walking--a bilateral therapy that has been a part of human life throughout history--allows people to heal emotionally as quickly as they do physically. Bilateral therapies engage both sides of the brain and unlock natural states of optimal function and creativity. Thom Hartmann examines how memory works and why emotional shock can resist normal healing. He found that the simple act of walking is effective in treating emotional disturbances ranging from temporary upsets and problems to chronic conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
Case studies have shown dramatic results. Walking consciously, while holding a distress or desire in mind, can rapidly dissolve the rigidity of a traumatic memory or negative mind state, dispersing its unpleasant associations in as little as a half hour’s time. While walking has always been a natural part of life, its importance in promoting and maintaining mental health is only recently being rediscovered. Hartmann’s simple yet potent exercises allow us to create our own walking journeys to restore our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being as well as rejuvenate our body’s health.
• Explores why and how we carry emotional wounds, and how they can be healed and resolved
• Shows how walking stimulates both sides of the brain to promote and restore mental health
• Provides simple, yet potent, mental exercises to use while walking
Our bodies usually heal rapidly from an illness, injury, or wound. Yet our minds and hearts often suffer for years with debilitating symptoms of distress or upset. Why is it so hard for our minds and hearts to heal? The key to healing them is simple and can be just a short walk away.
Walking--a bilateral therapy that has been a part of human life throughout history--allows people to heal emotionally as quickly as they do physically. Bilateral therapies engage both sides of the brain and unlock natural states of optimal function and creativity. Thom Hartmann examines how memory works and why emotional shock can resist normal healing. He found that the simple act of walking is effective in treating emotional disturbances ranging from temporary upsets and problems to chronic conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
Case studies have shown dramatic results. Walking consciously, while holding a distress or desire in mind, can rapidly dissolve the rigidity of a traumatic memory or negative mind state, dispersing its unpleasant associations in as little as a half hour’s time. While walking has always been a natural part of life, its importance in promoting and maintaining mental health is only recently being rediscovered. Hartmann’s simple yet potent exercises allow us to create our own walking journeys to restore our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being as well as rejuvenate our body’s health.
112 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2006
About the author
Thom Hartmann
76 books382 followersThomas Carl Hartmann is an American radio personality, author, businessman, and progressive political commentator. Hartmann has been hosting a nationally syndicated radio show, The Thom Hartmann Program, since 2003 and hosted a nightly television show, The Big Picture, between 2010 and 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 30, 2011
I read this entire book today. It was under 100 pages. The book has a deceiving title in that it is more in depth and interesting than the title lends to believing. The goal is in fact to "walk away your blues", but in a much less "layman's" way than it appears. For people not interested in psychology and history, this would likely be rated poorly, however, for myself who is greatly interested in the subject presented, I found it intriguing. I found that Hartmann was very talented in his ability to present history that spanned an entire century within the length of the book. In addition it made it accessible and easy to understand the applicability to the technique he is giving us.
The principle of bilaterality is the basis for the book and the author connected it back to the history of the building blocks of psychoanalysis. The principle is nearly an obvious fact, but one that is not pondered by most. I found that being in the medical profession as a physical therapist and understanding how the body is connected (the left brain controls the physicality of the right for example) really aided me in immediately connecting with and "buying into" the technique for dealing with psychologically traumatic events and their healing. If this principle applies to healing physical ailments, then why not to the psyche? Makes sense.
To give a simple "take home message" on what bilaterality is: According to the book, using bilaterality means doing an activity, such as walking, which requires both the left and right hemispheres of the brain simultaneously being fully functional and communicating with each other, WHILE purposefully and systematically bringing thoughts regarding a traumatic event to the forefront to be worked through. In doing this, the person is better able to come up with better solutions and perspectives due to the entire brain being engaged in the problem at the same time.
There was anatomical education in the book as well and I learned about the process by which we may "transfer" our daily events and traumas/problems from one area of the brain to another and how we may serve ourselves better by facilitating the "transfer".
"The problem emerges when the hippocampus is carrying information that is too much, or too "hot", for the larger brain to handle. When a recent memory is too strong to be easily and unremarkably processed, it presents in our dream world as a nightmare. If that still doesnt "download" the information from the hippocampus, then the trauma either becomes buried in our subconscious (repression) OR gets thrown back into the hippocampus for the next morning."
Throughout portions of the book there were sociological perspectives included. One interesting thing was that there may be a cultural hemispheric dominance based on culture. The best example I can remember is when Hartmann compared cultures where word of mouth was the way of passing down history versus how most americans use literacy to accomplish this. In a way, we have created an imbalance towards left sided hemispheric dominance in our culture through the written word, with the near extinction of stories being passed down over the generations.
" In the opinion of some researchers, societies that are hemispherically unbalanced are more likely to be patriarchal, hierarchical, and violent, whereas societies that are hemispherically balanced are more likely to be egalitarian and democratic, and employ violence only in self-defense."
There were particular portions that I remember clicking with me in a way that made me understand some things about how I personally deal with trauma. I discovered why it may be that I have found it easier to work through issues whilst driving or choosing to discuss a hard issue during a walk. I didn't know that I was instinctively using the concept of bilaterality to aid in the process of healing.
" In fact, unless you're well trained in how to avoid getting stuck in the other person's dramas- their content- it's often the most effective to do this exercise without ever asking or knowing what the details of the event/trauma/emotion are...It allows people to keep their privacy and it prevents an increase in the intensity of the emotions (a retraumatization) by engaging in discussion that repeatedly brings the issue or event back to the consciousness. (These are the two main ways that "talk therapy" often wounds and re-wounds people)."
- I have felt this "retraumatization" in the past by having an issue repeatedly brought back into the forefront of my mind and it was with issues that may not be considered traumatic by another person's standards, but for me, I noted a definite effect in the healing process.
There was a lot in this short book and I could definitely read it again. I feel that I will use this technique in the future. I suggest that everyone read it.
The principle of bilaterality is the basis for the book and the author connected it back to the history of the building blocks of psychoanalysis. The principle is nearly an obvious fact, but one that is not pondered by most. I found that being in the medical profession as a physical therapist and understanding how the body is connected (the left brain controls the physicality of the right for example) really aided me in immediately connecting with and "buying into" the technique for dealing with psychologically traumatic events and their healing. If this principle applies to healing physical ailments, then why not to the psyche? Makes sense.
To give a simple "take home message" on what bilaterality is: According to the book, using bilaterality means doing an activity, such as walking, which requires both the left and right hemispheres of the brain simultaneously being fully functional and communicating with each other, WHILE purposefully and systematically bringing thoughts regarding a traumatic event to the forefront to be worked through. In doing this, the person is better able to come up with better solutions and perspectives due to the entire brain being engaged in the problem at the same time.
There was anatomical education in the book as well and I learned about the process by which we may "transfer" our daily events and traumas/problems from one area of the brain to another and how we may serve ourselves better by facilitating the "transfer".
"The problem emerges when the hippocampus is carrying information that is too much, or too "hot", for the larger brain to handle. When a recent memory is too strong to be easily and unremarkably processed, it presents in our dream world as a nightmare. If that still doesnt "download" the information from the hippocampus, then the trauma either becomes buried in our subconscious (repression) OR gets thrown back into the hippocampus for the next morning."
Throughout portions of the book there were sociological perspectives included. One interesting thing was that there may be a cultural hemispheric dominance based on culture. The best example I can remember is when Hartmann compared cultures where word of mouth was the way of passing down history versus how most americans use literacy to accomplish this. In a way, we have created an imbalance towards left sided hemispheric dominance in our culture through the written word, with the near extinction of stories being passed down over the generations.
" In the opinion of some researchers, societies that are hemispherically unbalanced are more likely to be patriarchal, hierarchical, and violent, whereas societies that are hemispherically balanced are more likely to be egalitarian and democratic, and employ violence only in self-defense."
There were particular portions that I remember clicking with me in a way that made me understand some things about how I personally deal with trauma. I discovered why it may be that I have found it easier to work through issues whilst driving or choosing to discuss a hard issue during a walk. I didn't know that I was instinctively using the concept of bilaterality to aid in the process of healing.
" In fact, unless you're well trained in how to avoid getting stuck in the other person's dramas- their content- it's often the most effective to do this exercise without ever asking or knowing what the details of the event/trauma/emotion are...It allows people to keep their privacy and it prevents an increase in the intensity of the emotions (a retraumatization) by engaging in discussion that repeatedly brings the issue or event back to the consciousness. (These are the two main ways that "talk therapy" often wounds and re-wounds people)."
- I have felt this "retraumatization" in the past by having an issue repeatedly brought back into the forefront of my mind and it was with issues that may not be considered traumatic by another person's standards, but for me, I noted a definite effect in the healing process.
There was a lot in this short book and I could definitely read it again. I feel that I will use this technique in the future. I suggest that everyone read it.
May 29, 2010
Ternyata jalan kaki tidak hanya berguna untuk kesehatan fisik semata, tapi juga dapat mengatasi trauma, untuk membangun motivasi, untuk kreativitas dan pemecahan masalah.
Gerakan dalam berjalan kaki seperti dalam gerakan senam otak yang disebut 'gerakan silang'- lengan kanan berayun ke depan bersamaan dengan ayunan kaki kiri ke depan, lalu lengan kiri bersamaan dengan kaki kanan, bolak balik gerakan ini dilakukan.
Orang tidak sadar bahwa gerakan ini yang disebut gerakan 'Bilateral Berirama'. Ketika berjalan kaki secara bergantian melibatkan belahan otak kiri dan otak kanan. Kondisi ini memungkiankan dua sisi otak untuk bersatu mematahkan belenggu pikiran dan membebaskan diri dari stress pasca trauma dan depressi.
Ayo jalan kaki !! mudah, murah, terjangkau !!
Gerakan dalam berjalan kaki seperti dalam gerakan senam otak yang disebut 'gerakan silang'- lengan kanan berayun ke depan bersamaan dengan ayunan kaki kiri ke depan, lalu lengan kiri bersamaan dengan kaki kanan, bolak balik gerakan ini dilakukan.
Orang tidak sadar bahwa gerakan ini yang disebut gerakan 'Bilateral Berirama'. Ketika berjalan kaki secara bergantian melibatkan belahan otak kiri dan otak kanan. Kondisi ini memungkiankan dua sisi otak untuk bersatu mematahkan belenggu pikiran dan membebaskan diri dari stress pasca trauma dan depressi.
Ayo jalan kaki !! mudah, murah, terjangkau !!
August 24, 2014
A great read
A great read
Thom Hartmann writes of bilateral techniques to reduce the stress of traumatic, and even plain upsetting, memories. He has researched the topic, including related techniques, and has used it on patients and on himself. He also extends the possibilities that walking in the recorded ways will benefit, such as in creative pursuits, and in helping oneself achieve goals.
Hartmann has a very easy way of communicating, but gets the information through thoroughly.
A great read
Thom Hartmann writes of bilateral techniques to reduce the stress of traumatic, and even plain upsetting, memories. He has researched the topic, including related techniques, and has used it on patients and on himself. He also extends the possibilities that walking in the recorded ways will benefit, such as in creative pursuits, and in helping oneself achieve goals.
Hartmann has a very easy way of communicating, but gets the information through thoroughly.
September 11, 2014
"Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity." ~ Hippocrates
July 10, 2012
This is an excellent book - a good short read. All through the eighties and onward I worked with clients using a walking method because my research showed that the "Dupal action" of walking - right, left, right, left was helping both hemespheres of the brain to sync into balance. Clients who walked as well as working in analytic sessions had a much greater and rapid integration of their issues - - even if they were extremely traumatic.
I also found for myself and for others - - that after ten minutes of walking creativity became enhanced, speeches were more easily memorized, exam material retained, actors could more easily memorize and work on their lines and character development.
Working with a mentor and professor - an MD who was also a BioEnergeticist trained directly by Lowen, M.D. - - we came to feel that this approach not only was good for the health of the body through the exercise provided- it was good for the mind - conscious and unconscious and allowed a greater integration of wounds, blocks, and release of trauma and misguided scripts - even if the person was not aware of it.
Finding that Thom Hartman, a fellow Vermonter, has independently come to the same conclusions and offers an easy to follow method - is wonderful!!!
If you are a walker you will be pleased to know that your walking is doing good for your mind, body, soul and spirit! If you are not a walker - but want a good method of releasing trauma, working through problems, adding to your creativity - - then after reading this book you might get out and try it!!!
I also found for myself and for others - - that after ten minutes of walking creativity became enhanced, speeches were more easily memorized, exam material retained, actors could more easily memorize and work on their lines and character development.
Working with a mentor and professor - an MD who was also a BioEnergeticist trained directly by Lowen, M.D. - - we came to feel that this approach not only was good for the health of the body through the exercise provided- it was good for the mind - conscious and unconscious and allowed a greater integration of wounds, blocks, and release of trauma and misguided scripts - even if the person was not aware of it.
Finding that Thom Hartman, a fellow Vermonter, has independently come to the same conclusions and offers an easy to follow method - is wonderful!!!
If you are a walker you will be pleased to know that your walking is doing good for your mind, body, soul and spirit! If you are not a walker - but want a good method of releasing trauma, working through problems, adding to your creativity - - then after reading this book you might get out and try it!!!
December 9, 2016
This is my second read of the book and my first review. It's phenomenal. Hartmann provides excellent historical information on the value of bi-lateral stimulation and it's proven effectiveness for hundreds (if not thousands) of years. This is fundamental psychological healing and the root of EMDR therapies.
I use EMDR to assist with PTSD and I use walking to assist with the 'small t' traumas of everyday life, hurt feelings, embarrassment, small anxieties. I would NOT recommend doing this on your own for 'capital T' Traumas or complex trauma resulting from years of abuse. For that, please find a specialist. However, for the healthy processing of day to day hurts, this is wonderful and supremely effective.
I use EMDR to assist with PTSD and I use walking to assist with the 'small t' traumas of everyday life, hurt feelings, embarrassment, small anxieties. I would NOT recommend doing this on your own for 'capital T' Traumas or complex trauma resulting from years of abuse. For that, please find a specialist. However, for the healthy processing of day to day hurts, this is wonderful and supremely effective.
Read
December 30, 2015I am guessing when I read it. I saw and ignored it a long time as I thought I knew what it was. Finally, I bought it and found it amazing as so much of Hartmann's work is. He takes the EMDR process to move trauma from the waking state through the amygdala into long term memory, only he doesn't do it with finger waving. He teaches you to walk glancing at your swinging arms, thinking about the blues, problem or trauma. It may take a little walking time, but it does work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2017
This is a refreshing look at a natural, common sense solution to depression. It is an easy read and short. The author has a unique approach to depression and life in general that totally makes sense. I would recommend it to anyone who has ever struggled with depression, knows someone who is depressed, or is human.
November 22, 2020
Easy to read and comprehend. Only time will tell if it's effective for me.
June 27, 2009
Recommended by my dad - A bit disjointed, but a quick read. Interesting. Not just for the "blues" - probably not a good title, really, as I found it to be more thoughts on connections between mind and body. Interesting history of psychology, too.
January 3, 2011
This is a well written book which opens up a new world for laypeople interested in hypnosis, neurolinguistic programming and
brain lateralization and things one can do (such as walking) to affect memory and recall.
brain lateralization and things one can do (such as walking) to affect memory and recall.
March 21, 2009
Fascinating! This actually touches on a number of topics unrelated to walking and blues. Just needs a better title.
July 10, 2010
Terrific!!!!! This book explains why walking is so helpful for the brain and what it can do for motivation and general well-being.
March 13, 2017
Excellent little book on how to combat depression through specific movement.
November 5, 2015
Excellent
Informative and well argued. This will get you out of your chair and raise your hopes for self-healing. I enjoyed it.
Informative and well argued. This will get you out of your chair and raise your hopes for self-healing. I enjoyed it.
April 7, 2016
If you are short on time skip to chapters 5 and 6 and you will get the basic technique. It is basically, bilateral motion and concious thought. A kind of walking meditation, really.
February 11, 2024
Only for someone interested in the science of healing from PTSD. Good though.
January 12, 2026
As an avid daily walker, this book presents a fresh perspective on the creative benefits of walking.
May 1, 2023
Interesting short book about how walking creates bilateral motion similar to EMDR. Thus, walking enables processing trauma.
The book also explained how to do a form of EMDR by moving your gaze rapidly from side to side. When the memory is traumatic, it is often chest-level. You can keep your gaze above that visual image.
When the memory becomes less traumatized, it loses color and becomes black-and-white. The location shifts to be more distant.
The book also explained how to do a form of EMDR by moving your gaze rapidly from side to side. When the memory is traumatic, it is often chest-level. You can keep your gaze above that visual image.
When the memory becomes less traumatized, it loses color and becomes black-and-white. The location shifts to be more distant.
August 21, 2012
i prof when im sad or angry then i walk by, i can breath well and forgetmy problem
December 5, 2009
Quick read that offers neurological reasons for benefits of walking.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews