I’ve been uplifted seeing so many neighbors, who I rarely see pass by our house on foot, walking swiftly down our dirt road each day during this time of homebound isolation. It is inspiring to see people naturally motivated to get out and move their bodies. I feel so fortunate to easily be able to get out and walk in a beautiful setting, quickly from our house into the forest, keeping much distance from others without concern. Those in urban areas must have more of a challenge to do so.
Homebound and exploring my wife’s extensive collection of books, I came across Henry David Thoreau’s Walking. This is a short book or essay that he interestingly wrote at the end of his life and was published just after he died in June of 1862. The back cover says, “Thoreau believed he was born to walk, and he walked both for exercise of mind and body, and as a way of exploring his inner and outer worlds.” I appreciate his reminder, “… it is of no use to direct our steps to the woods, if they do not carry us thither. I am alarmed when it happens that I have walked a mile into the woods bodily, without getting there in spirit… I am not where my body is, I am out of my senses… What business have I in the woods, if I am thinking of something out of the woods?”
Walking for Good Health
Getting outside and taking a walk is clearly health-promoting for many reasons. Actually, walking is considered the most popular form of physical exercise in the US. Studies show that walking for thirty minutes a day reduces the build-up of stress and improves our overall health. I found interesting the results of a six-year-long study observing the health benefits of the moderate-intensity exercise of walking as compared to the vigorous-intensity exercise of running. The study observed 33,00 runners and 15,000 walkers. They found an equal reduction in risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. These are all risk factors for heart disease and stroke. My take-home from this is walking and running are both significantly beneficial, so do whichever you feel most drawn to in your body. If your goal is weight loss, you may accomplish this in a shorter amount of time with more vigorous exercise, like running. Though studies show that consistent walking also leads to weight loss, along with the benefits to the circulatory system, as well as help with insomnia. Walking generally leads to longer life expectancy.
Thoughts and Presence
While you’re walking, have you seen how your mind may wander around thinking of something else other than just bringing your full attention to your body and your surroundings? This is what Thoreau was talking about 150 years ago. It seems natural for the mind to unwind a bit as you begin moving your body, processing all of its thoughts. But hopefully, you find that your attention can come to your footsteps, the feeling of your foot and footwear touching the ground, and the upright nature of your posture. When your mind is set aside, your senses take the attention; you notice the feeling in your body, what you see, what you hear, what you smell. It doesn’t help matters to fight with your mind. Let it go where it goes and when your attention comes to your body or what’s around you, become interested in that. To me, it’s a great experience when my thoughts aren’t the only thing that has my attention. Walking helps me with this, especially when in nature, but also when it’s safe to walk at the mall or on Main Street.
Do What You Can
Some people’s pain limits them from walking. Lower back, hips, knees, feet. A goal we often have in my treatment room is to better manage pain to ensure continued activity level. Even walking short distances, however far the body is able, can help maintain good health. I hope you’ve all been enjoying whatever walk you can get in each day, for the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. During this time of uncertainty and fear, the regular movement can help us get through this time more smoothly. To all of your good health.
Originally published in The World