Walking exercises the whole man.
Walking exercises the body. It gives the arms and legs a workout. It stimulates the flow of blood; expands the lungs. It is gentle and relaxing.
Walking exercises the mind. It shakes up the brain cells. It fills them with oxygen; drives out the cobwebs. A famous scientist says he does his best thinking on the two miles sidewalk between his home and office.
Walking exercises the emotions. It gives you a chance to observe and enjoy the world. Open your eyes to beauty. See the homes, the trees, the gardens. See the shining faces of little children. Listen for church chimes, singing birds and the laughter of happy people.
Walking uplifts the spirit. Breathe out the poisons of tensions, stress and worry; breathe in the power of God. Send forth little silent prayers of good will toward those you meet.
Walk with the sense of being part of a good will toward those you meet.
Walk with the sense of being a part of a vast universe. Consider the thousand of miles of earth beneath your feet; think of the limitless expanse of space above your head. Walk in awe, wonder and humility.
Walk at all times of day. In the early morning when the world is just walking up. Late at night under the stars. Along a busy city street at noon.
Walk in all kinds of weather. Experience the glory of earth coming back to life in springtime; the warming rays of the sun in summer; the zest of October's bright-blue weather; the rugged desolation of winter. Walk in the rain and in blizzard.
Walk alone mostly. but if with a companion, choose one who knows the secret of quietness.
Walk for fun and adventure, for health and inspiration.
And when you go for a walk remember these words by Elbert Hubbard; "Carry your chin in and crown of your head high. We are gods in the chrysalis."
Written by Wilfred Peterson in 1960.
