Story and photo by Christina Ryan-Stoltz
Every morning I choose my own adventure by deciding where to take my daily walk. The first thing I do is to get myself quiet enough to hear precisely what my spirit needs. Is this a sidewalk, cityscape and bay view kind of day? Will I take the secret steps down to the big lake and stretch out my arms wide, as the eagles fly over my head on their morning hunt? Will I expand my lungs with a big deep breath in, followed by a full body exhale, releasing all my fears and anxieties into the wide-open arms of Lake Medicine? Or shall I drive into the woods, into the national park, so that I can gulp in the rich, moist cedar essence and watch the golden rays of the brilliant sunshine through the branches, like a stained-glass wall of light and mist and lush green vibrancy, pushing past all the resistance I’ve built up, flooding me with beauty and light and the hope that comes from a new morning’s fresh start.
There is a wisdom in walking daily, a surrender to a higher power, a blind trust that whatever comes up in a day, a walk in the wild wonder of this spinning planet can lend us its strength. A walk fortifies the soul and the body, it provides fresh air, fresh perspective, a change of scenery, the option to change pace or course. A walk is good alone or with another; walking and talking, or walking in silence, can deepen any relationship with our two- or four-legged companions.
When we walk our heart pumps faster, oxygenating blood and sending it to our limbs, enlivening us in entirety—tip top to tip toe. Our muscles strengthen and build endurance, our joints loosen; the synovial fluid that lubricates them increases its production, keeping us from our natural inclination to stiffen up with the assistance of gravity and time. Our sense receptors open, taking in all the information as we walk through the flora and fauna, the textures beneath our feet, the presence of other beings, the weather and the terrain. Walking fires up our metabolism and improves sleep, both of which enhance every single body process we have.
Beyond the physical benefits, which are many, the improvements to mental health are off the charts! Walking releases those natural painkillers, endorphins, and increases production of serotonin and other feel-good hormones, helping to elevate our mood and decrease incidences of depression, while simultaneously decreasing cortisol production, related to chronic stress. Age-related memory decline improves, and the incidence of Alzheimer’s is reduced by HALF from walking daily. Enhanced creativity and problem solving are well known “side effects” of walking as well.
I feel most alive when I am out in nature. Most myself. Who I am is solidified by the earth ⸺ sturdy underfoot, primal, clear, centered and mighty. A remembering of my self comes through. Whenever I am outside for very long, I have a difficult time returning indoors, in all seasons. I can breathe better, the clutter in my mind gets unpacked, priorities and needs come forward. I am kinder, softer, and I move with more ease. My role models are trees. I find I can reflect on the interior processes and sort the seed from the hull, so to speak. Before I knew walking as my superpower and birthright, I was full of pent-up feelings that had no safe space to spread out. I shudder to think of ever returning to that way of being.
So much has been revealed to me on my daily walks that I may never have had access to otherwise. I say to anyone who will listen: If you want to change your life, start taking a walk every day.
Prove me wrong!
Christina Ryan-Stoltz has been a writer since fifth grade. She is also an artist, herbalist, resilience coach, founder of SHESkool.com and ordained minister. She lives near the lakeshore and spends most of her time dreaming.
