Walking Nurtures My Soul

Almost daily I delight taking an early morning walk around my beautiful historic neighborhood in Phoenix, leaving me feeling invigorated for the day. Visually I enjoy all the creative ways my neighbors express themselves via house colors and trim, yard landscaping, and porch furniture settings. Yes, we have porches that we sit on with friends and family and enjoy the outdoors. I also get a daily dose of doggie love when I pass by the neighbors walking their dogs. 

After my walk this morning, I was reading Neuroscientist Shane O’Mara's blog. (https://shaneomara.com/2018/10/14/in-praise-of-walking-my-new-book/?blogsub=confirmed#blog_subscription-2). O'Mara is Professor of Experimental Brain Research, Trinity College, Dublin and author of the forthcoming book In Praise of Walking.  ". . . walking helps protect and repair organs that have been subject to stresses and strains; it is good for the gut, helping the passage of food through the intestines. Regular walking also acts as a brake on the aging of our brains, and can, in an important sense, reverse the aging of our brains. Walking is also associated with improved creativity, improved mood, and the general sharpening of our thinking."

He most certainly summed up the benefits I receive from my daily walk!

I recently injured my back and was unable to take my morning walk for about six weeks. I am starting to return to the daily walk. My pace isn't fast, my distance isn't long, yet I am walking! So grateful I am for the ability to do so and to know all the health benefits I am accruing. One thing Prof. O'Mara didn't mention in his blog was how important connecting with the trees, plants, dogs, and other humans is to our well-being.

My daily walk not only creates well-being for me, it nurtures my soul.

© 2019 Cristina Whitehawk