It seems we live most of our lives inside physical “boxes”. Our homes, our cars, and even our work places have us inside something. It is very easy to get into the habit to be in one of these all the time and become sedentary. There is something that seems un-natural about all of it. Yes everyone is busy running from one thing to another, and here in Indiana and much of the country, winters can be harsh and make us want to hibernate until it is over. But if you wait until you have time, or until the weather is just right to get outside, it will never happen. Years ago (more years than I want to admit), I started walking. It probably started for me as a way to lose weight, but over the years I have discovered there are many other benefits. It is one of the few things that costs no money, you can do anywhere, and it really is quality time for you to relax and reflect. I also noticed that about 20 minutes into a walk, stress just seems to “melt away”. I can’t explain why, but it works. And yes you will lose weight, since you are increasing your activity. It also can help you keep up with the children in your life, since they won’t understand why you get tired if you are out of shape.

One of the things I did not expect, was how it changes your perspective of the world. You see things you don’t see out of a window. You experience things and meet people you never would have met. Most of my neighbors seem to know my name, even though I may have never sat down with them. There is some sense of community that happens when people see each other, beyond you putting your car in the garage and closing the door never to be seen again. One of the things you will find out is how many things are within walking distance from where you are. At a modest 3 miles per hour walk, you can actually go a mile and a half in 30 minutes. You will start to actually walk to do some things instead of taking a car. Try walking for some errand, maybe a meal, or entertainment at the half way point. Last night I walked to a movie theatre that is nearby, then walked home after. The great thing about walking somewhere, is it forces you to walk back. Yes you will have to block some time for it, but it is well worth it. Just take some of that time you use for TV, going out to eat lunch (I used the trick of walking on my lunch hour and then eating a snack at my desk after), or what I call “food grazing” which is an unhealthy time filler. Pick a time that works for you and be creative.

One of the key things I found really enjoyable is you get a real appreciation of nature when you are outside. I truly don’t believe that we were meant to spend as much time indoors as we do. As you walk more, you will find yourself trying to find new places to walk (and you will develop some favorites). I am not a fan of walking a lot around car traffic, so I try to find public parks to walk. Most cities have developed walking trails, whether it is like the Monon Trail in Indy or Munger Park which is actually right behind my house in Lafayette. When traveling, you will enjoy walking more which makes that a better experience. I did notice in Europe, and even some larger cities, people seem to walk a lot more, and appear to be in better health. I have walked all of Rome Italy for instance and saw much more than if I had not. You will also find when you have a major physical activity, like helping someone move, a trip to somewhere where you are forced to walk (like Disney), or even healing from an illness, that your overall general condition is a plus. It is almost summer so the weather excuse is gone. Start with just one day and see what happens. You can even get a little sun while you are out. Enjoy.