Exercise for the Soul

The Walking Cure

“As long as I approached walking as exercise, I never made it past the front door. But one day, I was so anxious I felt as if I would jump out of my skin, and so I bolted out of the house at lunchtime as if I were leaving the scene of a crime…Forty minutes later I stopped, discovered to my amazement that I was on the other side of town, and headed back home, calm, and centered. I have been walking ever since.”
Sarah Ban Breathnach (Simple Abundance)

Once a week, I walk with my friend, Isie. We work it in even when we have busy schedules. When there’s rain, we meet and walk at the mall before the shops open. For one hour, we talk non-stop. We unload everything the week has held; all the frustrations, all the happy, funny moments, our dreams, movies we’ve seen, how we’re feeling about the political goings-on in the US, and our struggles of the moment. We pound the pavement and talk. When it’s over, I feel like I’ve had a ‘psychic bath’; I’m washed clean. I can say anything to Isie, and know it will stay between us and vice-versa.

Walking is the best and easiest over all exercise. It is calming and meditative. It doesn’t cost anything. Sometimes, walking helps the decision making process by keeping your body busy while allowing your thoughts to flow freely. I also find it helpful for creative work. When I’m stuck on a project or a piece of writing, I go for a walk. I usually like to walk alone on those occasions. But walking with a friend can also be helpful; someone who will brainstorm solutions, or who may have a different perspective to offer.

Whatever is good for the body is good for the soul. We function best when we are active and fit. Our brains need sunlight to make some important hormones, and our lymph system needs regular activity to keep us clean inside. Especially if you work in an office under florescent lights, get outside at lunchtime and pound a little pavement. You’ll have a more productive afternoon. And, I hope you have a friend like Isie, who’ll listen when you’re sappy as well as when you’re happy. It’s therapy---with legs.

In the spirit,
Jane