Worry-free Walking

Before anything else let us reflect on the fable written by Aesop entitled, “The man, the boy, and the donkey”

A Man and his son were once going with their Donkey to market. As they were walking along by its side a countryman passed them and said: “You fools, what is a Donkey for but to ride upon?”

So the Man put the Boy on the Donkey and they went on their way. But soon they passed a group of men, one of whom said: “See that lazy youngster, he lets his father walk while he rides.”

So the Man ordered his Boy to get off, and got on himself. But they hadn’t gone far when they passed two women, one of whom said to the other: “Shame on that lazy lout to let his poor little son trudge along.”

Well, the Man didn’t know what to do, but at last he took his Boy up before him on the Donkey. By this time they had come to the town, and the passers-by began to jeer and point at them. The Man stopped and asked what they were scoffing at. The men said: “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself for overloading that poor donkey of yours and your hulking son?”

The Man and Boy got off and tried to think what to do. They thought and they thought, till at last they cut down a pole, tied the donkey’s feet to it, and raised the pole and the donkey to their shoulders. They went along amid the laughter of all who met them till they came to Market Bridge, when the Donkey, getting one of his feet loose, kicked out and caused the Boy to drop his end of the pole. In the struggle the Donkey fell over the bridge, and his fore-feet being tied together he was drowned.

“That will teach you,” said an old man who had followed them:

“Please all, and you will please none.”

Here are points to ponder why we may like to keep walking as a part of our lifestyle:

Nostalgia

It is good to reminisce about the glorious past. Reliving the wonderful old days down memory lane. Especially in your own hometown. Going back to your old schools. Revisiting treasures that shaped who you are now. Tracing back the many lessons that you had learned. The many laughter that you have shared with your brothers in school- camaraderie as what it is fondly called. Also, the many trials that were triumphed as a team. A forgotten past has no foreseeable future.

Exercise

Walking is still the best form of exercise. It is gentle on the knees. Be kind to your body, you will thank yourself in the golden years. Breathe in the fresh air. There is so much to see outdoors. It is an amazing adventure.

Developments

You will notice everything new. Progress. Empty fields are now filled with houses. Avenues are brimming with restaurants, food chains, bars, malls, offices, and other types of businesses. It is great for the community. The future looks bright and brilliant. There is hope for the next generation.

Encounters

Along your way you will see familiar faces. Friends from long ago. A few inside their cars will yell out your name. Music to your ears. And, you will get feedback in occasions that you had been seen. You inspired people to live an active lifestyle.

Free

Yes, absolutely. No need for expensive equipment. You may do it alone or with others. You control the time. It is safe. Explore the cityscape at dusk or at dawn. Take different routes, otherwise it becomes boring or robotic. Enjoy! It is an investment in your health. Rainy? Bring an umbrella. Sunny? Wait for a cool time in the early misty-foggy-morning or when the sun has set in the far horizon.

Remember, it is your own gift for yourself. You will lose weight. You will sleep better. You will look better. You will feel better. You will have more energy. And, you will live longer. When you walk, you leave all your worries behind. Then, you see the world in a much different positive light.