Walking is so Underrated!
Walking keeps me grounded and calm.
My walks help me start my day on a positive note. I feel more grounded and centered after my morning walk. I enjoy exploring the thoughts that drift through my mind.
Missing my morning walk can be quite frustrating, often due to scheduling conflicts. I reassure myself that I’ll walk later, but once the day begins, it becomes difficult to find the time.
I walk in mist but steer clear of heavy rain, unless I have no choice and get caught in it. I’ve been caught in downpours before, so now I dress better for the weather. I walk year-round, on most days. Can you tell it’s one of my favorite activities? Haha!
There’s a gym in my building, but I don’t like walking on a treadmill unless I really have to. I prefer being under trees, feeling the soil beneath my shoes, and hearing the birds chirp.
I use the words "walk" and "hike" interchangeably because sometimes I walk in a neighborhood or hike in the woods or a park. It counts as long as I’m moving.
This past winter, I started walking in a mall because there was so much snow on the ground. Without snowshoes, it was hard to walk, and the ground was icy. I have snowshoes and Microspikes, but I didn’t want to hike during those times. Did you know some malls open early for morning walkers? A few times, I’ve even met up with a friend, and we’ve “walked & talked” for 6, or sometimes 7, miles. It didn’t even feel that long.
Other times, I talked to a different friend on the phone while I walked. There were quite a few mall walkers, so I wasn’t alone. Sometimes, window shopping can become a problem. Haha.
Walking allows most people to exercise, even after work. A friend of mine schedules his walks. He walks in the morning, goes to work, and then walks with his wife after dinner. Or he takes a walk after lunch. He has made walking a priority.
One of my earliest memories is walking home for lunch when I was in kindergarten or first grade. We would walk home, eat lunch, and then go back to school. My class walked to my house once for some kind of party. It seems like people walked more. We had sidewalks, which made it easier. My grandmother lived a few blocks away, and I wanted to walk to her house alone. My dad let me think I was walking alone, but later he told me he was actually following me. Haha!
As I’ve gotten older, I realize I was surrounded by green spaces most of my life. Even in the city, there was always a park nearby. Maybe these green memories have shaped my love for nature. Playing outside, attending camps, visiting beaches, and exploring tourist spots also helped.
Walking and hiking have become a part of me now, so much so that I get grumpy when I don’t get my walk in.
It has always helped me stay grounded and calm, and I am doing them more than ever now.
I also go for walks when I travel. I just need to pack my sneakers and comfortable clothes. I’ve been doing this for years. I look for parks nearby or walk a few blocks from the hotel.
Walking and hiking have been my anchors through the losses of my husband, parents, and dog, as well as other life changes. When unexpected challenges come up, a good walk boosts my confidence to face them. Whether it’s a short walk or a tough hike, these moments calm my soul and give me space for reflection or meditation.
My ideal day begins with waking up with the sun, making my bed, getting dressed, and heading to the park for a 6-mile hike through the woods. Afterward, I return home, hydrate with cool water, and enjoy some coffee, orange juice, yogurt, and a banana. Then, I plan out the rest of my day, which might include writing, planning, creating, and working.
It was during one of those perfect days that I came up with “Walking with Traci.” I held my first live stream session, which was a disaster, for my paid supporters. I ended up making a video instead.
Anyway, people are interested in walking together, virtually. And I plan to hold another live stream to announce it. I really want to inspire more people to walk. Walking on a treadmill counts, too. I like to track my steps and then convert them to miles. Let’s do it!!
You might not know this, but I once ran a business called Yogiventure that organized hikes and yoga sessions. I trained at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. I even took Wilderness First Aid training, just in case someone got hurt — luckily, no one did! Now, I want to try doing it again, but virtually. Are you with me? Maybe I can add meditation to our walks?
There are many health benefits too. I won’t list them here, but if you check out Healthy Seniors on Substack, you’ll find a great article that details them all. She also provides references. First, ask your doctor if walking would be helpful for you.
Let’s get out there and walk!!!!
That’s it for now.
Until next Friday…….