Shakespeare once profoundly pointed out: “Life is but a walking shadow.” Walking is not just a simple mode of movement, it allows us to escape the shackles and free ourselves during busy intervals. When we wander in confusion, a simple walk can help us find the light of relief. Prolonged indoor life may feel oppressive, but when we step outside, breathe fresh air, enjoy the natural beauty, and observe the comings and goings, we can rediscover the vitality and passion of life. The most real and thorough experience of life is none other than to tread deeply upon the earth, feeling the solidity of each step.
Walking is not only a physical movement, it is a spiritual journey, making every step we take stubbornly towards a life that is real and grounded. Even on a bumpy road, it can make our state of mind open and exhilarated. This is not only because walking itself is a healing process, but it is also a way of nourishing the body.
There is an old folk saying: “Walking is the foremost of all exercises.” Frequent walking helps to strengthen leg muscles, promotes blood circulation and qi throughout the body, thus enhancing heart and lung function, improving immunity, and effectively extending life. Every walk is a deep care for oneself.
Einstein, as a world-renowned scientist, treasured time like gold. Amidst his busy scientific research work, he still insisted on setting aside thirty minutes each day for walking. During a visit to Belgium, to express respect for Einstein, the King and Queen sent attendants dressed in formal wear, waiting with music, only to be surprised to find that all other guests had left, but Einstein was nowhere to be seen. He was eventually found in the palace; it turned out Einstein had arrived early carrying his belongings, walking to the palace with his violin. Out of curiosity, the Queen asked him why he chose to walk, and Einstein replied with his usual humor: “Walking is my hobby, and this exercise always brings me endless pleasure.”
Indeed, health is the guarantee of life, and walking is the most direct and convenient way to maintain health. Persisting in walking will help you tread more stably and confidently on this road to health.
Life is like a long journey, and inevitably some companions cannot endure to the end due to physical or health reasons. However, when you choose to keep walking, it means that you have already mastered the key to health ahead of many, and have earlier set the direction for your own life.
Walking is also nourishment for the soul. German literary giant Goethe believed: “Only through movement can all sorts of doubts be dispelled.” During the process of walking, worries and anxieties fade away with each forward step. If you feel tired and lost, do not hesitate to step outside, let your own steps measure the vastness of the world, and feel the free flow of the spirit between heaven and earth.
Centuries ago, the Chinese poet Su Shi also sought healing through walking. Facing political oppression, during his exile, he insisted on waking up early and briskly walking ten miles, maintaining forward momentum and a positive attitude to life no matter the circumstances.
“Rise early and hasten eagerly for at least ten miles; should one’s energy wane, then slow the pace; if energy is steady, then quicken it; until head to toe are both warm, feeling free and comfortable, persist in this long enough, and one shall grasp its wonder.” In walking, negative emotions evaporate with the sweat, thus lies the secret of Su Shi’s optimism and enduring love for life. Nature holds a miraculous power, it soothes the soul and empowers the spirit. Walking in nature deeply nourishes the mind.
In our leisure time in daily life, let us put aside life’s pressures and embark on a focused walk, calming the restlessness within. The value of walking lies not in the distance or the time spent but in the process of the activity itself. Even a short stroll can lead to the discovery of a new world, a better self. Even the scenes at one’s doorstep can reveal poetry and the faraway.
Walking is an excellent way to maintain health. Zhou Ling once said, “Sitting for long is like a stagnant pool, while regular movement is like a flowing spring, fresh and free of any impurities.” The changes brought about by consistent walking may not be apparent in the short term, but perseverance will transform one’s overall health.
The variety of walking methods also benefits different health issues. For example, those with insomnia could take a slow walk at night; individuals with high blood pressure should focus on how their feet touch the ground. For coronary heart disease patients, walking an hour after meals is beneficial, while stomach patients might walk massaging their abdomen. People with joint diseases should try walking with heels touching first; those with neck, shoulder, or lower back pain might try walking with raised hands or taking big steps, and for varicose veins, walking on tiptoes can be relieving. For weight loss, one might try walking with hands clasped behind their head. It’s recommended to walk at least 3 times a week, at a pace of around two steps per second, aiming for approximately 6000 steps per day.
Hippocrates’ classic statement, “Walking is the best medicine,” reflects how one can feel utterly relaxed and stretched by walking the earth on foot and breathing fresh air. Diligent walking is an excellent health practice and a beautiful way of life. As Bei Dao said, “The extent of a person’s walking is his world.” For the elderly, ceaseless walking, resting in stillness, and cultivating the body in movement, are the most exquisite pleasures.
Amidst the vastness of the universe, as breath flows, life thrives unceasingly. No need to pursue the peak; with an open heart and joy, detach oneself, wishing only for health and peace. Walking is the best medicine, and when you start that journey, sunlight fills life with warmth. May you wander between mountains and rivers, through the changing seasons, cultivating a better self on this walking path.
May everyone who reads these words step confidently forward, boldly walking in this world, to become a proud and strong beacon of light!
