Take a Walk (Yogamint)

Have you ever read a story in a magazine, newspaper or web site, and thought, “That must have been written just for me?”  This was the case earlier today, when Yogamint’s piece Take a Walk found its way to my inbox.

Walking used to be a favorite past time of mine.  My aunt was the first to introduce me to power-walking, during a brief summer visit.  As the mother of two football-playing sons, she enjoyed my company, even if I struggled to keep up.

In college, friends laughed when I piled on the phys.ed. credits, which counted towards graduation.  Archery, Indoor Soccer, Strength Training, Aerobics, and Walking — yes, Walking — were all part of the curriculum, and walking for credit seemed the easiest class I’d ever taken.  It was particularly attractive in the course catalog during Spring semester, when one hour of walking through the beautiful, historic streets of Amherst, Massachusetts left any worries about organic chemistry lab far behind.

Working in Boston I enjoyed long walks at lunch time across the city to Back Bay.  Commonwealth Avenue’s tree-lined walkway brought me peace and tranquility, as I left the hustle and bustle of the financial district behind and greeted fancy ladies with tiny dogs through filtered sunlight.  This was by far the best part of my day.

I left my walking lifestyle behind when I moved to Maine and started a family.  Now I’m the  suburban mom driving a family truckster, or pushing an empty stroller with one child several paces ahead and the other dawdling behind.   It’s hardly the same!

When I sprained my ankle running in a cross-country 5k two weeks ago, I was devastated. I would have to quit running for a while, and walking would have to suffice instead.

As I set out one morning at about 6:30 a.m., I hardly remembered how to walk for pleasure.   I was bored, fidgety, and kept one eye glued to the iPhone screen at all times.

Here I had the perfect opportunity to slow down, take a break from the rush-rush of life, and had a chance to reacquaint myself with walking.  I’m not sure I did a good job that first day, but I’m determined to keep going.

This piece from Yogamint inspires me to soak in the sights, sounds, smells and sights of walking.  It’s a gift to walk, not a punishment.  With Yogamint’s help, I can enjoy it for what it is, and not what it is not.

Tell The PranaMama!  Where is your favorite walking route or destination?  How does walking there make you feel?

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.