By walking a modest 30 minutes to one hour per day continuously
and briskly it is possible to avert a number of lifestyle diseases and problems
associated with ageing or to bring them under control. It is an exercise that
suits everyone; non-strenuous, saves on time, and is thoroughly enjoyable. Try
to picture in your mind, the pure ecstasy of a child when he/she learned the
precious and finer tricks of walking. Walking is like giggling and you too can
now set out again to recreate it and experience for yourself. Yes, that is
possible, if you can turn to the child in you, while walking to searching that
part of yourself.
You know we don’t have wings like the birds but legs to chart
our course. It is natural for us to walk and keep on walking till we are able
to do so. Anything contrary to that is non-natural and hence, against the
purpose of our being. When we add some extra miles to our life, we succeed and
remain in the paths of progress. Walking is, simply going forward and
discovering something new, everyday. It too can enhance our lifespan and
physical-mental well-being. Propel yourself to (optimum) health, wealth (of
experience) and power (that you are in control); by walking or in retaining
your mobility for long.
As you prefer, walk in a group or alone, when you need it. As
per the availability of time your walking sojourn can be adjusted and as per
your want, it can similarly be charted. When walking is a voluntary activity,
its healing properties increase manifold. It has to be undertaken leisurely as
a form of physical exercise and meditation. Therefore, empty your mind as the
meditating hermit and walk until your body says, it is enough. Always, the
fruitful walking must result in a relaxed body and mind and not otherwise.
Walking must not induce any amount of stress in you. Increase the length and
breadth of walking, depending on your need at that particular space in your
life. While walking watch your paces and decide for the best. Pull yourself
away from and distractions, outside, in full consciousness. The best walker is
an observer and not a participant in anything in and outside. Severe your
involvements gradually while completely in charge of yourself far removed from
the hustle & bustle and din of everyday life.
The main purpose of walking (as an exercise) is to promote health
or to recuperate. It is an excellent and proven exercise in healing,
de-stressing and regeneration. Therefore, go for the refreshing and healthy
walking in the morning or evening. In between, keep on walking also, even just
for a minute, when you have the time and opportunity in work or at home.
Going to bed early and raising early is a healthy habit. After
waking up early and finishing the toilet chores, set out for your morning walk
at dawn. You will find it to be calm and rejuvenating. Should you like, do a
brief prayer as per your religious, spiritual or other convictions before you
go out in the morning. It is important that the seasonal and environmental
conditions are compatible with your health to expose yourself. For example, it
is preferable not to walk out in the wee hours in rains or if it is smoggy, or
too cold, etc. This may defeat the very purpose of your walk, by adversely
affecting your health or lead to unnecessary discomfort. You should feel as much
comfortable as possible and self-motivated to walk to health. Always wear loose
cotton cloths and try to avoid tight shoes, if not fully necessary. Before walk,
drink adequate amount of water. You may take a light breakfast, if for any
medical reason; it is a requirement for you. Whether you are drinking water or
eating a light breakfast, you stomach should not feel filled, but near-empty. You should feel light and energetic while
walking your walk in the morning.
It is good to walk in small group of close or known persons
of your own age-group. The best thing about it is that it can address the
safety requirements and additionally act as a support group for all the persons
in the group. A member of a small group has the luxury of trailing behind, when
and if there is a need to walk alone. Or you can go for different combinations
of walking with different members of your group. However, the group
associations/combinations during walk are only meant for extra experiences in
silence. The group walking as a single unit needs to function as a smooth float
without any frictions or rigidity. In an alternative scenario, a family can
walk together as a group, too with similar benefits. Keep your talks to the
bare minimum while walking together. Enjoy your walking companionship, every
morning. One can change one’s walking group by informing the intent to all
other members and join a new one, not drastically different from the previous
group. Remember that walking in a group in the morning could be very much therapeutic
to all its members. For evening walk, a two members group is most suitable,
though, it is not essential. Mostly, your evening walk should be spent with
people on the streets or a park or even a community bazaar. During morning
walk, one can venture out but at evening walk we need to circulate with
unrelated flowing mass of people in an anonymous manner. While morning walk
signifies being away for a while, the evening walk means to be amidst.
For walking exercise, particularly for morning walk, it is
absolutely necessary that the roads you take to are free from vehicular traffic
to a great extent. It is better not to
walk in a completely deserted path. Choose your walk routes having minimum
clogging possibilities of any kind and dotted with abundant greenery. Avoid the
roads that are dusty, narrow or not preferred by the morning walkers in your
area. If possible, change your walking paths once in a while or as often you
feel it is needed. Roads that can ensure you pure air and safety are good. If
you can get away from the concrete jungles of the urban areas and walk towards
the countryside, you are a lucky walker, of sort.
Always, walk a walk and never rush. Relax!