WALKING BENEDICTIONS

 “What a joy it is to feel the soft, springy earth under my feet once more, to follow grassy roads that lead to ferny brooks where I can bathe my fingers in a cataract of rippling notes, or to clamber over a stone wall into green fields that tumble and roll and climb in riotous gladness!” Helen Keller.

How true! While walking, one can revel in the true glory of nature, cherish the diverse colours of the sky, the splendor of the sea, the liveliness of flowers, and the grandeur of mountains.

 

 I started enjoying walking as a child during my summer vacation in Shimla and Kasauli. What a tremendous joy it is to hear the sweet songs of birds, see the soothing lush green foliage while out on a long walk in the hills! At that age, I never understood the benefits of walking and never bothered about it. It was just the sheer joy of discovering places leisurely on foot. I still reap the benefits of the seeds sown then, as I love to walk anywhere and any time of the day. When I was diagnosed with gastric reflux disease, walking benefited me more than any medicine.

 Apart from the utter joy of walking, it slows the aging process and increases the lifespan. It prevents the commencement of lifestyle diseases and helps an individual recuperate from diseases. Hippocrates rightly said, “Walking is a man’s best medicine.”  

Aristotle had most of his discussions while walking around Athens. For Bertrand Russell, prolific writer and thinker, walking was fundamental for his work. One can walk anywhere, any time and it is the simplest and easiest form of exercise for any age group. Walking briskly helps one accomplish advanced levels of fitness, leading to greater endurance and stamina. Muscles achieve greater definition, joints are lubricated and lung ability expands. All one needs is a pair of comfortable shoes and the will to step outside by putting one foot in front of the other. “Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it,” emphasizes Plato.

Several studies have confirmed the benefits of low intensity and high intensity walking. It helps in lowering bad cholesterol, raising good cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of diabetes, managing one’s weight, improving one’s mood, and helping one become strong and fit. It increases the strength and density of bones and also prevents osteoporosis. Research has proven that when you walk, your foot’s impact on the ground sends pressure waves through the arteries that increase blood flow to the brain.

 Our thought process becomes clear and we have an opportunity to rediscover ourselves.  “I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown; for going out, I found, I was really going in.” John Muir

Walking is linked to better cognitive function amongst individuals and helps in keeping the brain young and attentive. A walk in the countryside reduces stress, anxiety, and keeps depression at bay. It is a sure cure for a short temper. Frequent walkers experience an enhanced level of cheerfulness with the surge of dopamine. It is calming to stroll with friends enjoying nature and its wonders, dicovering and exploring places. Walking with umbrellas in the drizzling rain and enjoying a rainy day picnic will surely take the fatigue out of anyone. One sleeps better after a long walk, which helps energy to soar in turn prepares us to face the challenges of modern life.

 

 

 The creative process of any kind is enhanced by walking. Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher rightly says, “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking,”

The creative juices start flowing after a good walk and one can reap the benefits immediately. This has been proved by various studies that creative levels were consistently higher for those walking compared to those sitting.

 So, “The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be healthy. The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose,” Charles Dickens.