HOW TO WALK PROPERLY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20508, 8 March 1930, Page 7 (Supplement)

HOW TO WALK PROPERLY.

Tlia relation that- correct -walking has |o mental . fitness is an interesting Study. People who walk briskly and easily nsuajly show a corresponding alertness ol mind. .Mental slackness is not necessarily caused by a bad walk, hut almost invariably, when this condition exists, the bodily movements are uncertain. Experiments with the mentally unfit and low-class' criminals show that theso people invariably drag their feet along the ground instead of raising them. One of these experiments consists in making them walk over blocks of wood in the exercise yard. This necessitates a greater effort of/ balance, and consequently a straighter back; and even this simple experiment has -been found to ameliorate yery definitely the mental condition. Experiments in psychotherapy, in treating nervous/and mental disorders, have had similar, results. The vacillating movements of an unco-ordinated body correspond to those caused in the brain by mental indecision; and, reversely, mental slackness reveals itself in unco-ordinated bodiiy movements. Even though we may usually carry ourselves well, there are times, during periods of depression or ennui, when all of us allow our bodies to slump, especially if no one is looking. Watch your child to see that this bad labit does not become chronic. Attention to these fundamental details is necessary in the beginning in order to establish correct habits of movement. Later on, after these are thoroughly assimilated, they operate automatically. From " New Health."