The Joy Of Walking

I'll never forget the moment our toddler took his first steps, around the age of 2. It was one of those things that just happened so suddenly, catching us completely by surprise.

One day, our tiny tot went from happily crawling around to standing up and taking those tentative first steps. It happened in the blink of an eye - one moment he was on all fours, and the next he was walking!

We were overjoyed, of course, but also a bit stunned by how fast it all unfolded.

It was also a bit dizzying as the next few months would prove to be a wild ride. We found ourselves exasperated - as he would dash off in any direction whatsoever without warning.

Oh my…the joy of walking!

Somehow, like all parents, we managed to keep up with our newly mobile toddler. But I'm sure glad those fast-paced, chasing-after-them days are long gone now!

Back in the 1970s, when the world was quite a different place, I was an impressionable teenager. And there was one TV ad from that era that really stuck with me, mainly for its stylish approach.

I'm curious - does this ring a bell for any of you who were around back then?

Today, the Camel man walks no more, at least not in TV ads.

Eventually, those slick, glamorous cigarette ads vanished from our TV screens for good. And that was a good thing - the public had finally learned the harsh truth that smoking isn't cool, it's incredibly dangerous for your health.

I never took to regular walks for exercise, though I do love a good hike or trek.

And for the life of me, I couldn’t understand why so many people walked for exercise or the joy they found in it.

Until about four years ago, shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic, I realized I needed to improve my fitness.

I hadn't been exercising regularly for a few years, and my bad knees made it difficult to play my favorite football or badminton like I used to.

At the time, I was still working full-time. So I had to find a suitable activity that could fit into my schedule.

It was down to 2 options: swimming was out of the question, as I would probably sink like a submarine that never resurfaced, or walking.

So I began walking, and surprisingly, discovered some of its many pleasures.

No Camel though😀.

What I discovered was the transformative power of a simple stroll.

• I met new people.

• Walking cleared the cobwebs in my head. It helped me think and reflect. Suddenly, solutions started popping into my mind.

• I started noticing the unique quirks of my neighborhood. Like Mrs. Lee, who lived alone in an abandoned house right next to a brand-new high-rise condo. Or the lone female traveler stranded in Penang due to the flight restrictions.

• The meandering paths to the beach from the main road.

• The flora and fauna that lived along the coastlines and hillside.

• The many stunning sunsets that waved goodbye to me during the pandemic when economic activity was restricted. How beautiful the skyline and waters were. Today, we are back to the smog of the haze and extreme hot weather, but most of all,

• My knees got stronger, my health improved, and I slept better.

Mission accomplished.

As an added bonus, around that time, a close friend introduced me to the "Philosophy of Walking".

I know, my reaction was the same - I had no idea something like that even existed!

For example, there were 3 key ideas that really got me thinking:

Jean-Jacques Rousseau championed the virtues of walking, praising its leisurely pace, sense of freedom, and inherent joy - far superior to the loneliness of riding in a carriage.

Henry David Thoreau emphasized the transformative power of immersing ourselves in nature during walks, allowing its essence to nourish our spirits and foster spiritual growth.

Frederic Gros explained how walking alone in nature can calm the mind, help us see things differently, and feel more connected to the natural world. It provides a much-needed escape from the bustle of daily life.

Thanks to my thoughtful friend introducing me to these philosophers, I found their insights really resonated with my own experiences.

Turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks - or at least inspire them to get out and explore the world on foot! 😁 

Final Thoughts:

If you're as intrigued by the philosophy of walking as I am, I'd highly recommend checking out the podcast "The Art of Walking" hosted by Dr. Barb Woegerer.

In a recent episode, she covers some fascinating insights on the joys of walking:

• Why movement is so crucial for our overall health

• The amazing benefits of simply going for a walk

• What happens to your glucose levels when you walk or exercise after meals

You can find that insightful episode by clicking the link below.

Get ready to lace up your shoes and see the world (and your wellness) in a whole new light!

Till next time,

Jude

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