Walk Back to Happiness
By Susi White
Last year I moved to the countryside after 13 years in London. While I love the fresh air and the lovely country walks alongside rivers and through the woods, one of the things I do miss about my life in the city, is walking the city streets.
Every Thursday, I used to walk from my home in East London to one of the corporate fitness centres in which I have a well being practice, which is in the West End. It’s about 5 or 6 miles, and many people thought I was mad, but it’s a fantastic walk. On my way to the West End, I’d pass markets, a city farm, beautiful architecture, lush parks, vibrant London squares, often teeming with children shrieking with delight, plus of course many wonderful museums, sights, pubs and shops that I probably would never have discovered had I sat on the central line with my nose in the Metro.
The health benefits of walking are numerous. Studies* have shown that walking can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung disease, osteoporosis, cancer, and diabetes; it can lower your cholesterol level, your weight, your body fat percentage, and your blood pressure. Walking is even better for your muscle tone than jogging, as the longer strides use more of your leg muscles, plus it’s lower impact so is less likely to cause stress injuries to your joints. Walking is sociable, low-risk, environmentally friendly, and absolutely free – it really is one of the best ways to keep yourself fit, happy and healthy.
But on top of the benefits of the exercise that it gives me, I find that walking has an extra benefit. It keeps me sane and happy.
There’s something magical and meditative about the rhythm of a long walk that opens up the subconscious, and I always have a notebook with me to record what pops up. Often I’ll see or hear something that inspires me creatively, or gives me a subject to address in an article or newsletter. The real treasure, however, is the occasional jewel that appears from the stream of thoughts running through my mind. It may be a memory that surfaces, a new perspective on how to treat a client, or an idea for a book. If I have a particular problem that I’m wrestling with, whether it’s a decision to make or a situation that I don’t know how to deal with, I can guarantee that by the time I’ve walked for an hour, an answer will have come to me.
Not only does walking enable me to love and appreciate my surroundings, whether they be city streets or farmer’s fields, but it also helps me to find something within myself that is gentle and wise and loving; something that knows what to do in every situation, and helps me to live a good life. Walking gives me the time and brain space that I need to remember who I really am, and what I want to do in my life. It gives me the opportunity to ponder my goals and my actions, evaluate where I’ve been and focus on where I’m going, to appreciate the life I have, and the people who make it so special. Many’s the time I’ve been walking along thinking about someone I love, a friend or member of my family, and been able to just call them to tell them that I’m thinking of them. You can’t do that on the tube or in the car.
Walking has a spiritual quality, for me; it’s time in which I can hear myself think, reconnect with myself and how I feel about the goings on in my life. It’s time when I can talk to myself, and to the universe about what I think and how I’m doing, what I’m scared about and what I’m excited about. It’s time for me, just for me, and it’s a precious, precious gift.
In the last year of her life, my maternal grandmother lost the use of her legs, and was confined to a chair, restricted to a life of daytime TV and the view from her window. She frequently told me how lucky I was to be able to simply get up, go outside and walk where I pleased, and her anguish made me resolve to appreciate the gift of walking. My paternal grandmother, 80 years old and still going strong, walks so much that her neighbours lovingly accuse her of wearing out the pavement in their village. I can’t think of a better role model for my twilight years.
If you don’t walk much now, why not try introducing it gently into your life. Walk home from work, or at least part of the journey, and you’ll find your head is clear of stress and work-related anxiety by the time you get through the front door. Walk your children to school if you can, to get them in the habit, or take a walk with a friend to catch up on the gossip while enjoying some fresh air and exercise. Or simply walk on your own, to clear your head and get a bit of ‘brain space’ – and remember, if you feel self-conscious walking on your own, there’s usually someone nearby with a dog that they won’t mind lending you!
If I were only allowed to give one piece of advice to my coaching and well being clients, it would be to walk more. You’ll be healthier, wealthier (particularly if you walk instead of driving or taking cabs) and wiser, and will quickly find a peace of mind that many people only dream of.
* Davison & Grant 1993, US Dept of Health 1996, British Heart Foundation 2000
Susi White
The White Havens: Helping you Life A Richer Life!
Susi White is a Life Coach, Reiki Master, Holistic Therapist and Writer.
She specialises in coaching women to enjoy lives of ultimate health, wealth and happiness, both by telephone and at her practice in North Essex.
If you're ready to live a richer life, contact Susi today!
Visit www.thewhitehavens.co.uk
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