I was at the gym the other day and I heard an interview with Erling Kagge, the author of Walking: One Step at a Time. The book is about how walking is an essential activity for our sanity, equilibrium, and well-being. What the author said really resonated with me. I decided then that I wanted to share it with you.
Before Mike died, I never gave walking a second thought. I only saw it as a way to get from one place to another. I’ve always used running as a way to help let go of my anxiety, anger, and frustrations. So, one day when my therapist told me to try walking as a way to calm myself, I wasn’t sure about it. Guess what? I tried it and I loved it.
I began walking every day after the kids got on the bus. Then, I got my dog and continued my walks with her. I never knew the power of walking as therapy until I was in the throes of grief. Walking let me be in the moment. It allowed me to get into a meditative state that I’ve never felt while running. I listen to the birds sing, watch squirrels scurry around looking for food, and yes, I’ve even stopped to smell the flowers. While I’m walking, I think about all the things in my life that bring me joy.
Whether you’re going through a hard time right now or not, I encourage you to take a walk and let yourself be in the moment and enjoy nature.
Read the below excerpt from Walking: One Step at a Time by Erling Kagge
Until now, I have tried the obvious explanation, the one you turn to because it’s quick and easy and the opposite of the essence of walking, which is slowness: I explain that he who walks lives longer. The memory sharpens. The blood pressure falls. Your immune system gets stronger. But each time I said it, I knew it was only half the truth. To walk is something much larger than a list of advantages you can read in an ad for vitamins. So what is the other half of this truth?
Why do we walk? Where do we walk from and what is our destination? We all have our own answers. Even if you and I walk next to each other, we can experience the walk differently. After having put my shoes on and let my thoughts wander, I am sure of one thing—to put one foot in front of the other is one of the most important things we do.
Let us walk.
Featured donations
This week’s featured items are some ideas for men. The guys are harder to buy for, but some of you have found some cool things at Marshalls and TJ Maxx. Thanks for these donations. I love them!
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