People walk for many reasons. The health benefits alone are the number one reason to walk. Even disabled people benefit if they are able to use a mobility device and go for a short distance. Being outside is healing and natural for us.
When I am inside my house for the day alone, my mind sometimes wanders to some dark places. I think about things I should have done differently with my life and I harp on regrets I have about my family and friends who have passed away. I think about what I should be doing, but I am not — like writing a will, following my passion to write, and finishing projects around my house. All these things swirl around in my head like clutter when I am not in action.That’s when I say to myself, ‘it’s time to go for a walk’.
When I step outside and feel the sun on my face or the cool air brushing my cheeks, I change. While it’s not good to avoid all of my responsibilities, I think it’s okay to step away and put those thoughts into perspective. Walking is a much healthier option than emotional eating or drinking alcohol to drown out disempowering chatter in one’s head. Instead, on my walks I make some plans for my future and make a mental list of goals. Like Wayne Dyer, the author of many motivational books and a dynamic speaker, always says: keep moving towards your intentions.
I am a member of the AVA, the America Volksport Association, a walking club that promotes and organizes noncompetitive fitness activities that encourage lifelong fun, fitness and friendship for all ages and abilities. I live in Portland, Oregon, I have been involved in the AVA since 2003, and I belong to three clubs there. But there are 200 active AVA clubs around the country and more than 2500 volksporting events each year. No membership is needed and anyone, including pets, are. welcomed. You can visit www.ava.org and www.myava.org to find a walk and join a group in your area anytime.
Being a member of the AVA really has changed the course of my life. When I started walking, I was depressed and guilty over the suicide of someone I deeply loved. Walking and meeting new people helped redirect my life. I was able to clear my head, gain a new perspective by sharing my story with others, and heal from my pain. I stopped being depressed.
When Covid shut down every avenue to socialize, many of the local clubs stopped their walking schedule. But a core group of walkers from the Columbia River Volkssport Club still wanted to walk together. Our group continued to meet on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. We walked 6 ½ miles at a time together! None of us got sick during that period and five years later we are still walking together and participating in club group walks and events. We also travel together and do weekend walk events in other cities or states.
Walking for social connection is beneficial and it improves your outlook on life. I am continually amazed by my walking friends who range in age from the mid-fifties to nineties. We age and we are not immune to cancer, hip or knee replacements, or heart issues. But the ability to recover from these medical issues at a faster rate is remarkable. I recommend walking!
