Though human beings are naturally born to walk,
it is the one thing that most of us are too lazy to do.
In most cases,
the simple act of walking
requires putting one foot forward,
followed by the other.
People all over the world
walk for one reason or another.
In deserts and isolated parts of the world,
people walk in search of food and water
to survive.
While in the affluent parts of the world,
people need to walk
to stay healthy and alive.
Walking as an exercise
doesn’t incur a great cost
like other forms of exercise.
As our bodies are wired with nerves,
the act of walking stimulates the nerves in our feet
and sends signals to our brains.
As a result,
the fragmented ideas in our brains
connect to form
new creative ideas and analysis.
Simply put,
walking helps us
not only to stay healthy
but also to become creative.
Therapists suggest
that the sheer act of going for a walk
keeps our bodies fit
and our hearts cheerful.
Going for a walk
also helps us
to subdue our anger and frustration.
Walking provides an opportunity
to weigh things out in our minds
and makes us see
our own faults
in our human interactions.
A walk in the morning or evening
can be a spiritual experience
when we come in contact with nature
or with our fellow human beings.
Looking at the things and events
happening around us during our walk
can make us see
the greatness of the Almighty
and make us realise
that we are not alone
in facing the problems of life.
Looking at the objects in nature—
beautiful hills, mountains, lakes, waterfalls,
people of different shades of colour,
and animals—
can bring joy
and the feeling of togetherness
into our hearts.
So, don’t wait.
Go and reap
the benefits of walking.
(The views expressed in this article are those of Dr. Mohd Abbas Abdul Razak, from the Department of Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Studies, AHAS KIRKHS, IIUM, and do not reflect the views of Potret Online.)
Diskusi