I went for a walk today, actually I have been trying to walk a little each day. This statement may seem extreme to you, but it is amazing how quickly humans, myself included, take things for granted. That is until they are lost or become unrealistic due to circumstances and current situations. For the last six years it has been almost impossible for me to stand or walk without severe pain. This has limited me greatly but has turned into reflection and appreciation for the good days, and blessings I have. It has also caused me to modify how I do things. I now only shop at smaller grocery stores and do more online shopping. I schedule rest times when I am out of town or have an event to attend. You get my point. I used to take the simple act of walking for granted and mindlessly worked on my feet 40 plus hours a week but that is in the past, I need to focus on the now and my future.
I recently read an article from a medical publication that cited a study showing how walking can not only be beneficial for our physical health but for our emotional and psychological health as well. 1 Taking a walk is taking a break from our day and can allow us to mentally challenge ourselves to evaluate our current lives. Taking this time to focus and self-reflect can be empowering and promote positive change. There are several questions in this study that the participants were asked to ponder during their walks, the following are a few of my favorites and the ones I am putting into practice.
What motivated you today?
What advice would you give your younger self?
What are 3 short-term and long-term goals you have and what are you doing to reach them?
What are 5 things you are grateful for? Write these down and add one additional thing each day to your list.
This study showed that the participants noted “(1) overcoming strain and achieving a sense of capability; (2) simplicity in obligations and having the time to pursue emotionally difficult experiences; (3) solitariness and reflection on oneself; and (4) calmness and embracing thoughts. These findings illustrate how going on long-distance walks may be similar to entering a liminal, or transformational, space. The findings show how long-distance walks can be helpful, or perhaps even therapeutic, in situations where personal transformation is required.”
Wow! That is 4 life changing findings that I want in my life!
I challenge each of you to try this for the next 30 days.
I would love for you to let me know what positive changes you have observed and the challenges you faced. Have an amazing day and go for a walk!
Lynn
1. Mau M, Nielsen DS, Jakobsen IS, Klausen SH, Roessler KK. Mental movements: How long-distance walking influences reflection processes among middle-age and older adults. Scand J Psychol. 2021 Jun;62(3):365-373. doi: 10.1111/sjop.12721. Epub 2021 Mar 14. PMID: 33719040.