by Gabrielle Schrader

Created on: January 03, 2011

When I think of walking, I think of peace. A delightful dip into the realms of quiet serenity. Walking is one of the best ways to keep your sanity and allow yourself a moment to just breathe. Sometimes we get so caught up in life that we forget to give ourselves our own little quiet solace. Regardless of whether you walk through a bustling city or through a serene park, you can find that inner solace while walking.

One of my favorite things to do while walking is to just space out. To let my thoughts carry me away or to find that quiet space where I'm not even thinking at all. I believe you'll find that an entirely new world is opened up to you while walking. You'll see things you've never even seen before. And you'll slow down. Throughout our lives we all seem to be rushing through them at top speed. Wouldn't it be nice to just slow down and clear your mind of any and all those distractions present in your life?

It's sometimes fun to take a friend but I'd say it's less meditative then. Whatever works for you is what you should do. If you're worried that you'll look strange just walking around and taking in nature, you shouldn't. If you are though then bring the ipod. Lots of people walk around with headphones in or talking on the phone every day. Talking on the phone will make the trip less about bringing you back into the sane world as connecting with a friend which is always best in person if possible. Fido would probably love to make the trip with you if you're feeling a little like sharing your love and spreading it around.

Lastly, you'll burn calories. That's great, isn't it? And walking doesn't even feel much like burning calories unless you're speed walking. Just walk at a nice, normal stride. Try to walk five miles when you go on these walks. It's said that a person must walk five miles a day to maintain their current body weight/size. Of course you might get one or two miles in just form your daily moving  around a a person but even so, walking the five miles will be beneficial to you as a person. In fact, you may realize later that if you don't walk for more than a week you feel grumpy. Try walking for your sanity and just for fun. I know you'll grow to love it.

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