The Enjoyment of Walking

by Ervin
(Georgia)

There is no greater exercise known to man than walking. It is much less stressful on the joints than jogging. One can also burn as many calories as jogging, granted it will take longer. I enjoy walking because of its convenience; it can be done indoors, on a treadmill, or outside.

Walking, in addition to being a great exercise for the body, can be good for the mind as well. It can be used as an opportunity to find solace with your thoughts. There are even forms of walking meditation. Walking can be used as a time for affirmations as well as visualizations. I have used it as a opportunity to commune with nature and to really get in touch with my surroundings. Often, we drive by places without ever really noticing them, but when walking, one gets the opportunity to notice subtleties.

In the home, on the treadmill, one can set a good pace and still be able to do other things. This fits in neatly with our ever-growing increase of multi-taskers. Some do not gravitate towards walking because they find it boring. What I have found is if one will allow their mind to flow, while walking, the body will follow.

I occasionally jog, which gives me that endorphin release that I seek, but through rapid, long walks I get the same effect. Walking is good for your heart, your lungs, your waistline and your wallet. As I have built my endurance, I find myself walking places that I used to drive. Some may look at me peculiar and say to themselves,"Why is he walking, I know he has a car." I don't let such things bother me, if they do exist, because I am out there for me. I want to live to see 100 and I truly think a lifetime of walking will get me there.