by Sheila Mchugh

Created on: April 30, 2009   Last Updated: May 04, 2009

Walking, what a simple, pure, uncomplicated form of exercise. Put one foot in front of the other while breathing fresh air and swinging arms in syncopated rhythm. No special equipment required. No frustrating drive in stop-and-go traffic to a gym needed. And certainly no costly gym fees required.

I lace up my walking shoes looking forward to a brisk afternoon walk with my neighbor, friend and confidante. She'll commiserate with me over my minor aches and pains while I offer sympathies on her recent boyfriend break-up. Encouragement and competition will arise between us as we walk shifting just as subtlely as the terrain beneath us. The encouragement will come as we discuss our current life situations with each other and offer words of advice. The subtle competition will arise as we attempt to disguise our labored breathing.

Our breathing and heart rate will increase just as it's supposed to as we climb the tiny rise behind our homes. The endorphins, those magic, feel-good brain chemicals will kick in and increase in our systems, lifting our spirits, making all seem right in our worlds, if only for the moment. Before we've solved all our problems, much less the problems of the world, we will be back at the starting point wondering where the time went. We will have enjoyed each other's company and the brief, informal counseling session that will have transpired so effortlessly.

I pick up the phone, dial the number and then remember, my friend is on vacation this week! Good thing I already have my shoes on or I might be tempted to turn on the T.V. and open that bag of chips "hiding" in the back of a closet.

So now my solo walk begins.

Initially, although taking our usual route, it looms longer, but as I ease into the rhythm of my walking feet, coordinated with my breathing, I slowly let go of all thoughts. It's then I notice the incredible blueness of the sky behind the white brilliance of the newly budding tree blossoms. It's then I hear the chirps of the robins busily pulling worms out of the grass to feed their new families. Gradually, my solo walk has turned into a walking meditation.

I return home with heart rate pumping, endorphins increased and a zen-like smile on my face, full of appreciation for all the small miracles in my little neighborhood, wondering where the time went.

Which is better, walking solo or with a friend? I really couldn't say.

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