Welcome to Day 15! Walking for Your Life! (Nature for the Health of It)
Let’s talk about something we have been doing since we were toddlers; something so ordinary, so seemingly unremarkable and ordinary that we daily take it for granted.
Walking.
When was the last time you thought, “Ok, I’m going to stand up now and walk over to the kitchen sink… Now I’m going to walk over to get my car keys and then walk to the car.”?
It’s almost like breathing, (whose importance we daily need to be reminded of as well). Unless you’ve been in an accident, or are in some sort of physical rehabilitation, you probably just don’t ever think about it.
Pretty much since the day we first learned how to walk as bambinos, we stopped noticing the fact that we were actually doing it, and just did it! And did it, and did it, and did it… sometimes to our parents’ chagrin, but nevertheless invoking their pride and satisfaction as well.
I have a friend who would laugh and laugh when his niece first learned to walk, as she held both her arms high in the air for balance, admittedly looking like an adorable little ape, proud of her progress. Just as she would get going and seemed to be achieving her balance, he would gently trip her from behind, causing her to fall onto the carpet, making her have to start all over again. She never got hurt or cried, but would just get a determined look on her face, pull herself up and start the process all over.
I’m sure there’s some life lesson in there somewhere, but my real point in telling you is because I thought it was mildly cruel and hilarious to watch!
Walking is one of the most underappreciated gifts known to man, but walking in Nature is even less valued and acknowledged in our society.
Not only does walking in the wild calm our minds, help relieve stress, and give us an emotional connection to the living world, it actually is good for our health!
Imagine that!
A good brisk, or even moderate walk outside does so many amazing things for the health of our bodies. It helps develop our cardio muscles and improve circulation pumping life-giving blood throughout our bodies, provides fresh oxygen for our respiratory system, boosts our immune system, assists in the production of the vitamin D hormone which is good for our skin and bones, cell growth and even reduction in inflammation.
In addition, hiking, strolling and ambling in the great outdoors is beneficial for getting and staying in shape, building and maintaining muscles, and aiding in the maintenance of balance, and of a healthy nervous system.
And don’t forget, every area of our being is affected by every other area. We are spiritual beings, with thoughts and emotions, living in physical bodies. When we neglect our health, we neglect our whole beings.
They say that sitting is the new smoking. Well how about cutting back to just a pack a day and getting outside for the health of it?
For today’s outdoor activity we are going to step up the pace a bit! There is a place for thoughtful meandering, gentle strolls and slow, purposeful walking meditations. I hope you’ve been getting a lot of that in these past two weeks. If not, there’s still plenty of time to do it.
But today, we are going to get our blood pumping a bit more than usual, (if high energy physical activity is not a part of your normal routine). We’re going to get a decent cardio work out in the great outdoors! That’s why it’s called a work “out”. We’re going to do it outside. It’s going to feel a little more like a challenge than what we’ve done so far. We are going to get our blood pumping a do a little “green” exercise, outside of the four walls.
There are so many more benefits to exercising in a natural environment versus a gym.
First of all, there are way less germs and lots more room and fresh air! Exercise equipment has been designed to make it easier for the human body to perform routine exercises. There is no muscle confusion, and after a short time, unless you are using a wide variety of different machines, only the same few muscles are getting a workout. Even then, the different angles and elevation changes found on the trail help challenge your balance and give every part of the muscle a chance to get a decent workout.
There’s also a lower perceived exertion to outdoor exercise, (meaning, you work out longer without even realizing it), and it’s much more appealing than walking or running on a boring old treadmill. And on top of everything else, it’s free!
So what are you waiting for? Head out the door, (mindfully, enjoying everything there is to enjoy in Nature), while walking or running as if your very life depends on it! Because it does…
Thomas Jefferson, who was quite the naturalist said, “Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far”. Great advice!
Today, go fast and far my friend…
Checklist for Day 15
☐ MEDITATION: Day 15 – “Walking for Your Life” (You can listen to this active meditation on iTunes or here at Mountain Zen Den.)
☐ NATURE WALK: 20 minutes walking or running 10% faster than usual.
☐ JOURNAL: Skip the journal and get a little more exercise today. Who knows, you may just end up loving it and doing it a whole lot more! (If you really feel like journaling you can write about your experience today as well).
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