Walking

 Walking is a man's best medicine    Hippocrates

Most pilgrimages require walking so that seems like a good place to start.    It is easy, cheap and requires no special skills.  Walking can be educational, spiritual or relaxing depending on the mood of the day or if walking on the treadmill or outside. 

I generally don't find walking difficult although consistency is tricky.  I am also deconditioned so it does require effort.  I have had so many false starts with exercise programs that I don't want to set a time limit or step count or have any mandates for that matter. I just want to do it.  So why haven't I? I suppose the main reason is that in a way it feels like punishment for being fat.  It shouldn't be difficult, but it is because of the weight.  It requires effort significant effort because of the weight.  It feels like I really have to push my body and because of that it feels like a punishment.  I wonder if I intentionally have more positives in my life if I would feel like it is less a punishment?  Perhaps it is a mindset change?  I have to change my mindset from it being punishment to something I do for myself because I deserve to take time for myself and to be healthy.

I have been reviewing books on aging well.  Walking can:

• Burn calories to lose weight
• Give you a healthy heart
• Regulate blood pressure
• Regulate glucose level
• Lubricate joints
• Boost immune function
• Improve brain function
• Increase lung capacity
• Improve gut function
• Improve mood 
• Reduce stress

Looking at this list there is no downside.  Why am I not doing it?  I have a treadmill in the basement.  I love being outside.  I have not made it a priority.  Am I setting my sights to high?  

That could be it... What is my intention in walking:  to age well, keep a healthy brain, lose weight, get in hiking shape, to look and feel better about myself, be confident and most importantly-feel comfortable in my own skin.

I think this is a Chrystal Starr Weaver moment-"no more trying just do it..."